Demonstrators and students gathered in cities across France on Saturday to protest rising living costs and conditions in schools. While the majority of participants marched peacefully, authorities reported that scuffles and fires broke out in several locations, including Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez’s office reported at least 272 arrests nationwide as police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse groups in the capital.
The protests follow weeks of school blockades that began in mid-September. High school students have been demonstrating for additional resources, while the broader movement has been joined by the CGT labor union and individuals reviving the "yellow vest" movement. Protesters expressed frustration over recent spikes in the prices of gasoline, energy, and food.
In Paris, a car and a newspaper kiosk were set on fire, and police closed several metro stations near government buildings and the Champs-Elysées. In Lyon, a fire occurred inside a tourist office during a march of approximately 20,000 people. In Marseille, Mayor Benoît Payan reported that protesters entered the lobby of City Hall and damaged a police station, though he described the damage to City Hall as limited.
The demonstrations affect students, families, and workers. The CGT union is calling for higher wages and pensions to offset rising costs for food and energy. Students in high schools across the country are seeking increased investment in educational resources. The scale of the unrest includes thousands of arrests and hundreds of reported injuries since the start of the school term in September.
In Paris and other cities, the use of riot-control weapons by police has drawn attention after a 15-year-old student lost a hand to a stun grenade, leading Interior Minister Nuñez to suspend the use of that specific weapon against young demonstrators. These events are occurring during a presidential election campaign, influencing the political platforms of candidates regarding public services and the national economy.
What happens next remains dependent on the government's response to demands for price protections and school funding. While the Interior Ministry continues to monitor violent incidents, student groups have maintained their calls for ongoing support. No specific dates for future nationwide strikes or government policy votes were reported, though school blockades have been a consistent feature of the movement for over a month.