France sees fifth weekend of protests with falling turnout

Summarised from 4 outlets · 6 reports · Updated 15 Nov, 01:08 · Archive

Around 106,000 people protested across France on Saturday, the fifth consecutive weekend of demonstrations, with turnout falling from the previous week.

Around 106,000 people marched through French cities on Saturday for the fifth consecutive weekend of demonstrations, according to the interior ministry, marking the lowest turnout in recent weeks. Approximately 24,000 protesters gathered in Paris, down from 46,000 the previous Saturday. Student unions disputed the official figure, claiming 200,000 people participated nationwide, with nearly 100,000 in the capital.

The demonstrations brought together campaign groups, students and Yellow Vest activists protesting the rising cost of living, strained public services and a proposal to give police greater legal protection. The movement, which began in September with student protests against teacher shortages, has evolved into a broader movement expressing wider discontent with the government. Some demonstrators called for President Emmanuel Macron to resign.

Police deployed 70,000 officers and gendarmes across France to manage between 50 and 60 planned marches. In Paris, the demonstration proceeded from Place de la République towards Place de la Nation. Although largely peaceful, police fired tear gas in Paris, Bordeaux and the western city of Nantes, including after some protesters discharged fireworks.

The interior ministry reported 219 arrests across the nation, with Paris prosecutors saying 45 were arrested in the capital. Trade union activist Remi Durand alleged that 'the police were ridiculously heavy handed — they were attacking anyone they could find with their weapons.' The GB News report mentions accusations of police brutality but does not attribute specific allegations beyond Durand's statement.

Turnout has declined since mid-October, when around 565,000 people participated nationwide. President Macron's approval ratings have fallen to their lowest level since he took office in 2017, according to recent polls. Union leaders have warned that protest fatigue is setting in, whilst police officers have sought better compensation for the risks of policing the demonstrations.

How it is being reported

• Tens of thousands continue to protest across FranceSome 106,000 people marched through French cities for a fifth consecutive weekend of protests, marking the lowest turnout in recent weeks.DW News · 15 Nov, 00:55
• Paris engulfed in violence AGAIN as thousands of left-wing protesters wreak havoc in French capitalParis has been engulfed in violence yet again as more than 100,000 left-wing protesters wreaked havoc in the French capital. Shocking images captured police clashing with looting demonstrators today as officials deployed tear gas and batons to calm the tumultuous crowds. The Interior Ministry confirmed around 106,000 attended Saturday's protests across the nation, with around 24,000 congregating in Paris for the fifth-consecutive weekend. So far, at least 120 troublemakers were detained following the fury that left several cities ablaze. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Last week's chaos…GB News · 14 Nov, 20:43
• Thousands take to the streets in France for the fifth Saturday in a row: Police use tear gas and charge at crowds during anti-government protestsAround 106,000 people took to the streets nationwide on Saturday in cities including Paris for the so-called Act V demonstrations.Daily Mail · 14 Nov, 19:12
• 'No justice, no peace': Fifth round of protests sweep across FranceBetween 106,000 and 200,000 people took to the streets across France on Saturday for the fifth round of protests, according to figures from the interior ministry and student unions respectively, as turnout fell and some incidents were reported.France 24 · 14 Nov, 18:23
• France protests for fifth Saturday against living costs and heavy-handed policingDifferent causes are set to come together for one march in Paris this Saturday. Campaign groups, students and Yellow Vest protesters are due to join forces in the capital, bringing together demands on wages, education and civil liberties. But after weeks of demonstrations, union leaders warn that protest fatigue is setting in, while police officers are seeking better compensation for the risk of policing the protests. Story by Jack Pownall.France 24 · 14 Nov, 10:15
• Live: France mobilises in fifth wave of student protestsBetween 50 and 60 marches are expected in France on Saturday, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, who plans to mobilise approximately 70,000 police officers and gendarmes across the country.France 24 · 14 Nov, 07:09

In this story: Emmanuel Macron · Laurent Nuñez · France · Paris

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log