news
France protests: turnout falls as unions call new strike
Interior ministry counts 146,000 demonstrators nationwide - including 46,000 in Paris
Protests across France attracted fewer participants on Saturday (November 7), but unions and student organisations have called for another day of strikes and demonstrations on Tuesday, November 10.
The interior ministry counted 146,000 demonstrators nationwide, including 46,000 in Paris. Student and youth organisations put the total higher, at 250,000, including 75,000 in the capital.
The figures mark a significant fall from previous weekends. The ministry counted 320,000 participants on October 31, 410,000 on October 24 and 550,000 on October 17.
Saturday was the fourth consecutive weekend of demonstrations, which have brought together students, trade unions and a reinvigorated Gilets Jaunes movement.
The protests began with students highlighting problems in schools, including inadequate funding and staffing, before expanding into wider opposition over the cost of living, wages and public services.
Clashes and arrests
More than 70,000 police officers and gendarmes were deployed across France on Saturday.
Although most authorised demonstrations passed peacefully, there were clashes in several cities, including Lyon, Lille, Nantes and Bordeaux.
In Paris, the main march between Place de la République and Place de la Nation was largely peaceful, but tensions broke out during its dispersal. Police reported that a group of around 200 people threw objects at officers and set fire to bins.
A total of 360 people had been arrested nationwide by 19:00, according to figures reported by the Interior Ministry.
Two representatives of the Gilets Jaunes movement, Benjamin Ball and spokesperson Azelma Sigaux, were also arrested in Paris after a separate gathering at Place de la Concorde, which authorities had prohibited.
More protests planned for Tuesday
Trade unions and student organisations have called for another national day of strikes and demonstrations on Tuesday, November 10.
The announcement comes ahead of a social conference scheduled for Monday at Matignon, where Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is due to meet representatives of employers and employees to discuss wages and purchasing power.
Education unions are also calling for action, arguing that the government's response to concerns raised by teachers and students has been insufficient.
The organisations say they intend to maintain pressure on the government until their demands receive concrete answers.
