French protests over living costs and school conditions drew more than 100,000 people Saturday, while unions called for another day of strikes amid a monthlong wave of demonstrations, school blockades and labor action.
A split emerged in crowd estimates: student unions put the national total at 200,000, with nearly 100,000 in Paris. France’s Ministry of the Interior counted 106,000 nationwide and 24,000 in the capital. The previous weekend’s official count was 146,000 nationwide and 46,000 in Paris.
Authorities described Saturday’s rallies as largely calm. The ministry recorded 219 detentions nationwide, while Paris prosecutors reported 45 arrests.
Protesters cited living costs, low wages, school conditions and police violence. Some signs criticized President Emmanuel Macron. School blockades and large demonstrations have accompanied strikes for more than a month; EconoTimes previously covered school and university blockades across France.
Trade unions called for another day of strikes Tuesday, rejecting the government’s promised 0.6% minimum-wage increase. They described the offer as “crumbs.” If demonstrations proceed Tuesday, they would coincide with the eighth anniversary of the Gilet Jaune movement, which began in 2018 amid anger over rising fuel prices. Protests linked to the movement continued for two years.
