Mass protests in France turn violent amid cost-of-living anger

Police fired tear gas and confronted demonstrators in Paris and several other French cities on Saturday as a third consecutive day of nationwide protests drew hundreds of thousands of people. The rallies focused on rising living costs, inequality, education conditions and concerns about police violence, with Halloween costumes giving parts of the demonstrations a festive appearance.

French authorities estimated that approximately 320,000 people participated across the country, including about 70,000 in Paris. Youth organisations placed the national turnout closer to half a million and estimated that around 200,000 joined the capital’s demonstration. Although most gatherings remained peaceful, tensions increased as marches approached their final destinations.

On the outskirts of Paris, masked individuals dressed in black reportedly removed paving stones and threw them towards police officers. At least one incendiary device was also directed at security personnel. Police responded with tear gas and baton charges while attempting to disperse the groups and restore order around the procession.

Disorder was also reported elsewhere. Projectiles were thrown at officers in Lyon, prompting the use of tear gas, while police deployed a water cannon against an unauthorised gathering attended by several thousand people in Toulouse. Authorities had mobilised roughly 70,000 police and gendarmes nationwide after previous demonstrations resulted in looting, fires and damage to public buildings.

The protest movement initially emerged among students demanding improved learning conditions and fairer access to higher education. It later expanded to include trade unions, Yellow Vest activists and citizens concerned about household expenses, inequality and civil liberties. Demonstrators have also criticised restrictions imposed on marches and the methods used by security forces to control crowds.

Student representatives announced plans for further blockades of schools and universities during the coming week, ahead of another demonstration called by workers and trade unions. The unrest is unfolding less than six months before France’s presidential election, adding pressure to an already tense political environment as economic concerns and public dissatisfaction dominate national debate.