Tension and clashes as hundreds of thousands protest again in France
News Source
β’Sat, 31 Oct 2026 18:28:14 +0000
π° What Happened
Police fired tear gas in Paris and Lyon on Saturday as hundreds of thousands of people marched across France. They were protesting about the cost of living and the state of the country's schools. It was the third weekend of protests in a row.
Unions and youth groups said nearly 500,000 people joined, including 200,000 in Paris. The authorities gave a lower figure of 320,000 nationwide. Marches began peacefully in the capital, then turned violent near the end point. Bins and street furniture were set on fire and smoke rose over the city.
Riot police warned they would fire more gas if people did not clear the street. The interior ministry said at least 290 people were arrested across the country.
π The Backstory
France has seen weeks of anger over prices and schools. Students and unions say pay has not kept up with rent, food and energy bills. They also say classrooms are overcrowded and teachers are leaving the job.
Street marches are a common way for young people in France to pressure the government. Earlier this month, UN experts raised concerns about how police handled student protests. Police unions say officers face violent crowds.
The government has offered talks but no big new spending. That has not calmed the marchers, who say trust in the leadership has gone.
π― Why It Matters
France is a major European economy. Long protests can close schools, disrupt travel and push the government to spend more. Similar cost-of-living anger is growing in other countries too.
Police fired tear gas in Paris and Lyon on Saturday as hundreds of thousands of people marched across France. They were protesting about the cost of living and the state of the country's schools. It was the third weekend of protests in a row.
Unions and youth groups said nearly 500,000 people joined, including 200,000 in Paris. The authorities gave a lower figure of 320,000 nationwide. Marches began peacefully in the capital, then turned violent near the end point. Bins and street furniture were set on fire and smoke rose over the city.
Riot police warned they would fire more gas if people did not clear the street. The interior ministry said at least 290 people were arrested across the country.
France has seen weeks of anger over prices and schools. Students and unions say pay has not kept up with rent, food and energy bills. They also say classrooms are overcrowded and teachers are leaving the job.
Street marches are a common way for young people in France to pressure the government. Earlier this month, UN experts raised concerns about how police handled student protests. Police unions say officers face violent crowds.
The government has offered talks but no big new spending. That has not calmed the marchers, who say trust in the leadership has gone.
France is a major European economy. Long protests can close schools, disrupt travel and push the government to spend more. Similar cost-of-living anger is growing in other countries too.