Clashes erupt in Paris as 320,000 protest cost of living
- Approximately 320,000 people protested across France on Saturday.
- Clashes broke out in Paris between police and protesters after dark.
- Police used tear gas and baton charges against masked rioters.
- The interior ministry reported 27 arrests by 2:00 pm on Saturday.
- Students announced plans for further blockades and demonstrations next week.
Clashes between police and demonstrators erupted in Paris and several other cities across France after dark on Saturday. Police fired tear gas and engaged in confrontations with protesters during the unrest.
While the demonstrations were largely peaceful, masked rioters clashed with police following the marches. This escalation follows ongoing public anger regarding the cost of living across the nation.
320,000 people join nationwide protests
Approximately 320,000 people took to the streets across France on Saturday to demonstrate against the cost of living. Hundreds of thousands participated in the nationwide protests.
The interior ministry reported the turnout was 320,000, which is lower than the 410,000 recorded the previous Saturday. This figure also represents a decrease from the 550,000 protesters recorded on 17 October.
Paris march draws 70,000 participants
The protest march in Paris drew 70,000 participants according to the police prefecture. This turnout is a decrease from the estimated 110,000 people who attended the previous weekend.
Masked individuals at the rear of the march used hammers to pry up paving stones to throw at police. At least one incendiary device was deployed against security forces, who responded with tear gas and baton charges.
The Paris police prefecture stated that a "hard core of several hundred rioters" attacked security forces with projectiles, including a Molotov cocktail.
Police use tear gas and water cannons in regional cities
Protesters in Lyon launched objects at police, leading officers to deploy tear gas. Meanwhile, in Toulouse, police used water cannons against an unauthorised protest involving several thousand people.
Political figures and citizens react to demonstrations
According to Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, authorities identified online invitations for Saturday evening Halloween events that encouraged demonstrators to start a "revolution". One report described the events as a "Revolution". Presidential elections are less than six months away, with far-right leader Marine Le Pen currently leading in opinion polls.
Hard-left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon joined the Paris march and accused the government of "taking an increasingly authoritarian turn". Camille Guerin, 31, stated in Nantes that the protests are against the cost of living and the far right, while supporting high school students and giving citizens a voice.
Aurelie Herrmann, 47, said in Lille that she danced at the protest to demonstrate that it is possible to protest in good spirits rather than just focusing on destruction.
Business owners and students plan for the future
Student Union spokeswoman Sabrine Kharbach stated that students plan to blockade universities and high schools this coming Tuesday and Thursday before joining a November 5 demonstration called by trade unions.
Arrest numbers fall compared to previous week
By 2:00 pm on Saturday, law enforcement had taken 27 individuals into custody. This figure compares to 217 arrests made by the same time a week earlier, according to timesofisrael.com.
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