Hundreds of thousands march across France over schools and living costs
Briefing by News4U · First published
Protests drew 410,000–800,000 people nationwide; police deployed 70,000 officers, closed museums and banned some marches after last week’s violence.
Hundreds of thousands marched across France on Saturday to demand more teachers, better school buildings and relief from rising living costs, one week after violent unrest left shops looted and cars burned. [1] [2] [3] [4]
Government estimates put turnout at 410,000, while unions said 800,000; Paris saw 110,000–250,000 demonstrators. Police deployed 70,000 officers, closed the Louvre and other museums, and restricted the Paris route to the city’s southeastern edge. [1] [2] [3] [4]
Clashes broke out in several cities after the marches; police used tear gas and arrested nearly 1,000 people. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez called the day more positive than the previous weekend. [2] [3] [4]
Sources
- Tens of thousands march in France as protests continue over schools and living costs
CBC World · · Excerpt
- France: Clashes erupt as protests sweep across cities
France 24 English · · Excerpt
- Hundreds of thousands march across France in protests over schools and policing
The Guardian · · Excerpt
- 'The marches went well' – French government on demonstrations a week after looting and violence
France 24 English · · Excerpt