In brief
On Saturday, more than 140,000 people marched across France in a fourth consecutive weekend of demonstrations over the rising cost of living. Riot police used tear gas in Paris and Lyon while 70,000 security personnel were deployed. The Interior Minister warned of readiness against rioters and looters as protests that began over school conditions expand ahead of the April election.
More than 140,000 people took to France’s streets on Saturday, marking the fourth consecutive weekend of demonstrations over high living costs, as riot police fired tear gas in Paris and Lyon. The Ministry of the Interior reported about 146,000 participants nationwide, including 46,000 in the capital, while unions counted up to 250,000 across the country.
Around 70,000 security personnel were mobilised on Saturday, with Interior Minister Laurent Nunez warning that authorities would be "ready and waiting" for anyone engaging in rioting or looting. In Paris, tear gas was deployed to disperse crowds after clashing footage showed police charging protesters. A police officer was seen striking a protester with a baton, and an incident in which 200 individuals attacked officers during a fire‑bombing arrest was reported by AFP.
In Lyon, police fired tear gas to disperse several hundred people blocking a road during an unauthorised gathering. The protests, which began in September over poor conditions and a lack of resources at French high schools, have since expanded to broader grievances linked to worsening living standards.
Reporter Natacha Butler interviewed a railway worker at a Paris station, who said,
"I spoke to one railway worker who told me it was really important to be here today. He said not only was it important to protest against the cost of living, but that it was also important to support young people."
Beijing’s students continue to lead the movement, but workers of all ages are joining, with many seeing this as a chance to press the government for higher salaries and better facilities.
These protests unfold against the backdrop of France’s upcoming April presidential election, amid rising tensions between far‑right and far‑left candidates.
