France Deploys 70,000 Police As Protests Turn Violent
France deployed up to 70,000 police and security personnel on Saturday, October 24, as hundreds of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets over rising living costs, education funding and wages. Although most demonstrations remained peaceful, clashes broke out in Paris and several other cities, prompting police to use tear gas and water cannons.
The French Interior Ministry estimated nationwide participation at 410,000, including 110,000 in Paris. Trade union CGT claimed a substantially higher turnout of nearly 800,000.
Police Respond To Clashes Across France
Security forces were deployed to prevent a repeat of the previous weekend’s violence, which saw widespread looting, damaged shops and burned vehicles.
In Paris, clashes erupted near the end of a major demonstration as some protesters threw objects towards police. Officers responded with tear gas and water cannons. Confrontations were also reported in Lyon, Marseille and other cities.
Authorities restricted demonstration routes, while major museums closed and businesses boarded up their storefronts as precautions.
Protesters Demand Better Living Conditions
The demonstrations began in September over staffing shortages at a high school near Paris before expanding into a nationwide movement involving students, workers and trade unions.
Protesters are demanding increased education funding, additional teachers, higher wages, improved pensions and measures to address rising household expenses.
Macron Faces Growing Political Pressure
The unrest has intensified pressure on President Emmanuel Macron as France approaches its 2027 presidential election.
Macron met student representatives on Friday, but organisers have called for further demonstrations unless the government announces concrete measures addressing their demands.
