The key facts

  • At least 272 detained across France, including 163 in Paris (BFMTV); authorities expected up to 170,000 participants nationwide
  • About 500 actions and more than 90 demonstrations were planned; clashes in Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Rennes
  • The protests followed weeks of student demonstrations for education funding; Macron called for calm

Scale of the protest and detentions

On Saturday, demonstrations against the rising cost of living took place across France, uniting former participants of the 'yellow vests' movement, schoolchildren and students, farmers, climate activists and trade unionists. According to sources close to the Ministry of the Interior, about 500 actions and more than 90 demonstrations were planned. According to local media reports, the authorities expected up to 170,000 participants across the country. In total, at least 272 people were detained; in Paris, according to BFMTV, 163 people. The police estimated the turnout at approximately 20,000 people in Lyon and Nantes and 10,000 in Rennes. In Paris, the authorities expected between 30,000 and 60,000 participants.

Paris and other cities

In Paris, police used tear gas and water cannons near the Place de la République, where a car was set on fire. The main march started at around 14:30 local time, despite the clashes, and the first demonstrators reached Place de Clichy. By 9:30 in the morning, 40 people had been detained in the Paris region, mostly for carrying prohibited protective equipment or weapons. Another 21 people were detained after about 100 people attacked the Paris headquarters of the CNews television channel, blocking access to the car park, throwing objects and smashing windows. In Lyon, masked people smashed the windows of the tourist office on Place Bellecour, where looting and a fire were reported; earlier, protesters fired fireworks at the police, who responded with tear gas. In Marseille, people briefly entered the city hall, damaging televisions and knocking over a bust of Marianne; Mayor Benoît Payan condemned the incident, noting that the damage was relatively limited. The prefecture reported an attack on a municipal police station and sent two additional gendarmerie companies to the city. In Nice, according to the prefecture, masked groups attacked shops and police near Avenue Jean-Médecin and the railway station. In Rennes, protesters erected burning barricades; in Lille, about 20 people gathered outside the regional council building.

Context and political reactions

The protest was a continuation of weeks of student demonstrations demanding increased funding for education and better study conditions, as well as criticism of police actions at demonstrations. The school organisation Renouveau lycéen demanded urgent consultations on the future of the Parcoursup university admission platform and a plan of 1.5 billion euros for renovating school buildings. Left-wing politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon and leader of the 'greens' Marine Tondelier criticised the police strategy, accusing the authorities of fomenting confrontation. Demonstrations were banned around key locations in Paris, including the Élysée Palace, the Prime Minister's residence and the Champs-Élysées. President Emmanuel Macron on Friday called for calm and respect for people and property. The 'yellow vests' movement emerged in France in 2018 amid protests against fuel taxes and the cost of living.