Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across France again this weekend. According to the French Interior Ministry, approximately 146,000 people took part in demonstrations on Saturday alone. Protest organisers, including trade unions and student organisations, however, put the figure at 250,000.
A week earlier, estimates of participation ranged from 320,000 to 500,000 protesters, while hundreds of thousands more had taken to the streets the previous Thursday.
The demonstrations were largely peaceful this weekend, although in some instances protesters threw objects at security forces, who responded with tear gas. According to the Interior Ministry, at least 360 people were arrested.
Mostly peaceful demonstrations
In Paris, protesters marched peacefully from Place de la République. A large number of school pupils and university students were among them.
“Today, it is essential that we keep up the pressure,” student representative Sabrine Harbach told AFP.
This marked the fourth consecutive Saturday of mass protests against the rising cost of living and problems in the education system.
In the French capital, large numbers of police officers prevented a banned gathering organised by the “Yellow Vests” movement near the Élysée Palace.
Around 100 supporters of the movement attempted to assemble at Place de la Concorde, not far from the presidential residence. Police intervened to disperse the gathering and surrounded the demonstrators. Two representatives of the movement were detained, while several dozen people were each fined €135.
360 arrests across the country
“As expected, fewer trade union organisations took part in the demonstrations, and many gatherings were not registered,” the Interior Ministry said.
By 7 p.m., a total of 360 arrests had been recorded across France.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez had earlier announced the deployment of approximately 70,000 security personnel, as well as armoured vehicles and water cannons. He warned that authorities would take a tough approach towards violent protesters and looters.
Prime Minister Sébastien Le Corneille plans to hold a social conference with representatives of trade unions and employers on Monday to discuss wages and purchasing power. Separate talks with student organisations are also planned.
“The fact that negotiations are starting on Monday does not mean that the mobilisation should stop,” said Vincent Gautron of the CGT trade union.
Education unions have called for another day of strikes and protests on Tuesday, while the country’s eight largest trade unions are expected to decide on their next steps at a meeting on Monday evening.
