France’s third consecutive weekend of protests over the cost of living, fuel prices and education has drawn fewer people than earlier rallies, according to the latest government figures. The interior ministry put nationwide turnout at about 320,000, down from 410,000 a week earlier and more than 500,000 on October 17.
Most demonstrations remained peaceful through the afternoon, but police fired tear gas in Lyon and Toulouse, while tensions flared at the end of a march in Marseille. In Paris, the planned route was moved to the eastern outskirts after a court dispute over the original path.
The protests began with students’ complaints about school conditions, staff shortages and the education system, then widened to include inflation, fuel costs and mounting pressure on household budgets. Unions and student groups are urging a nationwide strike on November 5, keeping pressure on President Emmanuel Macron’s government as it faces difficult budget choices.
Photo: Karollyne Videira Hubert / Unsplash
