The key facts

  • About 46,000 people took part in the demonstration in Paris on November 7 — within the authorities' forecast (40,000–60,000)
  • The march went from Place de la République to Place de la Nation; the 'yellow vests' demonstration on Place de la Concorde was banned
  • About 70,000 police officers and gendarmes were mobilized across France to maintain public order

Demonstration in Paris

About 46,000 people took to the streets of Paris on November 7 for a demonstration under the slogans 'For Youth and Against the Rising Cost of Living.' The figures from the city prefecture were reported by the TV channel BFMTV, which is cited by Life.ru. Authorities had previously forecast between 40,000 and 60,000 participants, so the actual turnout fell within the expected range.

Route, participants and security measures

The main march went from Place de la République to Place de la Nation via Boulevard Voltaire. Trade unions, student and youth organizations joined the action. Supporters of the 'yellow vests' movement planned a separate demonstration on Place de la Concorde, but the authorities banned it. To ensure security at the events, about 70,000 police officers and gendarmes were mobilized across France; in Paris, public transport operations were restricted and certain metro stations were closed.

Context of the protest wave

Mass protests in France began in mid-September with demonstrations by schoolchildren dissatisfied with the condition of educational institutions, and were then joined by citizens protesting against rising prices and declining living standards. The largest nationwide action took place on October 17: according to the French Interior Ministry, about 550,000 people took to the streets. During previous demonstrations there were clashes with police; law enforcement used tear gas, stun grenades and water cannons. According to Life.ru, amid the protests against rising prices 779 people were detained. On October 31, according to the Interior Ministry's estimate, about 320,000 people protested across the country, including 70,000 in Paris; participants demanded measures against the high cost of living and improved funding for public services.