France’s third consecutive weekend of protests drew a reported 320,000 people nationwide, according to figures the Associated Press and Le Monde attributed to the Interior Ministry, as demonstrations widened from education to living costs.
The Paris Police Prefecture counted 70,000 demonstrators in the capital. Authorities approved a route connecting Porte de Bagnolet and Porte de Charenton after the Council of State overturned an administrative court decision. The Interior Ministry said its nationwide security operation involved 70,000 police officers and gendarmes, 26 Centaure armored vehicles and 15 water-cannon vehicles.
Before the march, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez warned of a “very high risk” of disorder, AP reported. The ministry said the Paris route was shifted away from the city center amid public-order concerns; AP also reported that authorities sought to protect shops.
Le Monde described the march as mostly calm before police fired tear gas and advanced on demonstrators during dispersal at Porte de Charenton. The outlet said projectiles had been thrown at officers.
The reported nationwide estimate was below ministry figures for the previous two Saturdays: 410,000 on Oct. 24, including 110,000 in Paris, and 550,000 on Oct. 17. EconoTimes previously covered the Oct. 24 Paris march and clashes.
The Associated Press reported that student complaints about school conditions, staff shortages and Parcoursup, France’s university admissions platform, helped start the movement. Some students view the system as unfair to applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds. Labor unions and people concerned about rising living costs later joined, AP reported.
Student Corentin Cabreux told AP that conditions in his state-run residence contributed to his decision to march. The government has confirmed that Parcoursup will be replaced for the 2028 admissions cycle, with a committee including high school students and teachers due to give initial recommendations by the end of November.
The UNSA said it joined CFDT, CGT, FO and FSU in calling for strikes and demonstrations Thursday, Nov. 5, focused on wages, public services, employment and industry.
