The protests were largely peaceful throughout the afternoon, but tensions flared up at the end of marches in some cities. Scuffles broke out in Paris and other French cities as protesters continued their drive against what they see as unbearable living costs and strained public services.

The demonstrations are now into their third weekend after a wave of riots and looting on October 17 left a trail of damage to shops, public buildings, and businesses across the country. The authorities were caught off guard by the scale of the violence that erupted back then.

Riot police charged small groups of rioters at the end of the Paris march, while tear gas was fired in Lyon and Toulouse. There were also tensions at unauthorised protests in Marseille before calm eventually returned as night fell.

The interior minister has praised security forces for maintaining public order despite facing a great deal of violence. Minister Laurent Nuñez is now warning that authorities are bracing themselves for scattered unrest later in the evening, amid calls for insurrection on Halloween night.

As the protests continue to unfold across France, authorities are preparing for potential clashes later in the evening. Minister Laurent Nuñez has issued a warning that authorities will respond firmly if anyone attempts to stir up trouble tonight.

The demonstrations have inspired similar movements across Europe, with youth-led protests taking place in several German cities on Saturday and also in Italy. The marches in France brought together students who had been mobilizing since September with trade unions and smaller groups of anti-establishment Yellow Vest protesters.

All these disparate groups are united by their frustration over the cost of living, high fuel prices, rising inflation, and President Emmanuel Macron's government. Their concerns were echoed by Jerome Rodriguez, a protester in Paris, who said that families are struggling to make ends meet while politicians juggle billions of euros.

Far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon was among those marching through the streets of Paris, his ratings having risen in recent weeks ahead of next April's presidential election. The route taken by protesters had been altered at the last minute due to a court decision that upheld a ban on a march between two key Paris squares.

The number of protesters nationwide has decreased from previous weeks, according to the interior ministry, with an estimated 320,000 people taking part in demonstrations across France on Saturday. This is lower than the 410,000 recorded the week before and 550,000 on October 17. Organizer estimates put the turnout at nearly half a million.

The interior ministry reported that attempts were made by "radical elements" to break away from marches in several cities, including Bordeaux, Toulouse, Lyon, and Marseille, with the intention of causing damage and looting. However, these individuals were thwarted by security forces who maintained control over the situation.

Security checks at railway stations and roads revealed people carrying objects that could be used as weapons, which further highlights the potential for violence. Authorities have expressed concern that Halloween masks may be utilized to conceal the identities of rioters, making it more challenging to identify those responsible.

The government is facing increased pressure due to its financial situation, with ratings agency Fitch revising its outlook on French debt to negative on Friday. This decision underscores investor concerns over France's finances, as public debt approaches 120 percent of economic output and borrowing costs rise.

Protesters have been advised to exercise caution by the US Embassy due to ongoing demonstrations across France.

The protests gained momentum in late September as discussions began on the 2027 budget for Macron's minority government. This development has led to a surge in participation from students, who are unhappy with the state of schools and overcrowded classrooms, as well as trade unions and the revived Yellow Vests movement, which is demanding action on living costs.

Despite promises by the French government to reform education and reduce fuel costs, discontent among protesters remains. Many young people feel that their future is at stake due to a lack of resources.

Aaron Berthier de Grandry, a 15-year-old high school student from Nogent-sur-Marne, expressed his concerns about France's future. He believes that if the country's youth lacks essential resources, it will ultimately collapse.

The ongoing unrest has handed Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right party, a significant political advantage ahead of the April presidential election. Her potential centrist opponents are currently divided and struggling to gain ground.

Paris' main shopping streets displayed a surreal scene, with early Christmas lights illuminating boarded-up windows and security grilles. This visual contrast highlighted the city's fragile state of calm after weeks of protests.

The upscale boutiques targeted in previous unrest belonged to luxury brands like Hermes, Louis Vuitton, and Burberry, underscoring the widespread nature of the demonstrations.

France 24 English: https://www.france24.com/en/france/20261031-some-320-000-demonstrators-take-part-in-largely-peaceful-protests-across-france

Germany, France, Spain, and Italy are among the countries where protesters are gathering, with each nation experiencing its own unique brand of unrest. In France, officials have taken extraordinary measures to prepare for potential violence, deploying 70,000 police officers on Saturday following a recent wave of rioting that has left cities scarred.

Videos from Marseille show large crowds and fires burning, underscoring the intensity of the protests. The French Interior Ministry reported that over 320,000 people participated in demonstrations across the country, with 70,000 gathering in Paris alone. Authorities have made numerous arrests, with more than 560 taken into custody by Saturday night.

The sheer scale of the protests has led to widespread damage, with stores, public buildings, and businesses targeted since the unrest began last month. Despite some violent incidents, many protesters have emphasized that their actions are peaceful, with authorities reporting over 1,300 arrests in cities across France last week.

Security measures have been put in place by the French government to deal with potential unrest, with Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez warning of a "very high risk" of disturbances.

A news conference was held earlier this week where Nuñez outlined security arrangements, stating that everyone involved is working together to ensure a firm response to any trouble. He emphasized the need for caution and vigilance in light of the ongoing protests.

Travelers visiting France have been advised by their embassies to steer clear of areas where demonstrations or large gatherings are planned. This warning comes as protesters continue to take to the streets across the country, with tensions running high.

Protests inspired by those in France have now erupted in several other European countries, including Belgium, Spain, Italy and Germany. In Germany, demonstrators organized by the campaign group Gen Z regelt gathered in over 30 cities on Saturday, calling for increased spending on schools, climate protection and housing, as well as opposing plans to reintroduce mandatory military service.

Protesters gathered in front of Berlin's iconic Brandenburg Gate as police announced they would deploy an additional 1,500 officers throughout the city to maintain order.

While many demonstrations remained peaceful, some protests turned violent on Saturday night, with rioters smashing storefronts and stealing goods from inside businesses in downtown Frankfurt. The looting was particularly egregious, with several shops targeted by the protesters. Some rioters also made off with weapons from a gun store before police were able to recover them.

In Frankfurt, the situation escalated further when some protesters hurled Molotov cocktails at police after initially pummeling them with stones and bottles earlier in the day. This violent turn of events was confirmed by Frankfurt police on social media platform X. The clashes between protesters and law enforcement continued late into the night.

As protests raged on across Europe, thousands of people took to the streets in Lisbon, Portugal, while a massive encampment of tents occupied a square in Madrid for weeks, drawing attention to the strained public services and cost of living issues plaguing the continent. In Brussels, police resorted to using tear gas and water cannons against black-clad protesters who clashed with authorities.

Protesters in Italy continued their demonstrations against the high cost of living and strained public services, with tens of thousands taking to the streets of Rome on Friday and other cities across the country.

The Italian government responded to the unrest by deploying 500 army troops alongside police in Milan until the end of the year. This move follows earlier incidents where masked protesters looted stores and threw projectiles at police in the fashion capital and elsewhere. The deployment aims to bolster security and maintain order during the ongoing protests.

In Italy, the demonstrations were largely peaceful, but not without some instances of police using force against protesters. An NBC News crew witnessed police employing a water cannon on protesters and groups of officers charging to disperse them. Italian authorities had also deployed riot brigades, drones, and helicopters in an effort to maintain control over the situation.

The protests in Italy are part of a broader wave of demonstrations sweeping Europe, with people from various countries expressing frustration over their living costs and public services.

NBC News World: https://www.nbcnews.com/world/europe/europe-braces-massive-halloween-protests-cost-living-public-services-rcna606671

The protests began peacefully, but near the demonstration's endpoint in eastern Paris, masked protesters hurled objects and fireworks at police, who responded with tear gas, sound grenades, and water cannons.

Police made nearly 1,000 arrests across France as a result of the clashes. The government reported this number, which is likely to fuel further tensions between protesters and authorities.

Many shopkeepers in Paris took precautions by boarding up their storefronts ahead of the protests, anticipating potential unrest. This move was seen as an attempt to protect property from possible vandalism or looting.

The scale of the protests was massive, with estimates suggesting that over 410,000 people participated nationwide, although some organizers put the number at nearly 800,000.

Violence erupted in several cities across France as protests against rising living costs continued to spread nationwide. Street fires burned in Marseille and Lyon, while police used tear gas in multiple locations, including Clermont-Ferrand, Strasbourg, and Bordeaux.

The clashes were particularly intense in Nice, where far-right extremists clashed with demonstrators downtown, leading to 11 arrests by regional authorities. Water cannons were also deployed in Nice, along with Nantes. French media reported on the use of force by law enforcement.

According to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, nearly 1,000 arrests have been made so far, but this number is expected to rise significantly as more are counted. The minister attributed the relative calm in some areas to a beefed-up police presence, which included 70,000 officers supported by helicopters and armored vehicles.

The protests began last month as a small demonstration over staff shortages at one high school southeast of Paris, but they have since grown into a nationwide movement demanding more funding for education and relief from soaring costs for fuel and other essentials.

As the protests continue to gain momentum across France, Paris is witnessing a growing sense of urgency among demonstrators. Bénédicte Pittion, a 46-year-old teacher, joined forces with her daughter Garance, a 16-year-old high school student, in their first protest together.

Pittion expressed solidarity with the young protesters, stating that as both a parent and teacher, she stands with them in demanding better conditions for education. Her daughter, Garance, acknowledged feeling scared after witnessing violence at previous demonstrations but felt that staying away would only give the government an upper hand.

Macron's meeting with high school representatives on Friday has not satisfied the protesters' demands. Despite promises to overhaul university admissions, the students are calling for concrete measures and have urged their peers to continue demonstrating until their voices are heard.

Protesters in Paris are facing a new challenge as authorities attempt to divert them away from the city center. Soumaya Abed, a 58-year-old nurse wearing a CGT union vest, accused the authorities of trying to stifle the movement by forcing protesters onto the outskirts of the capital.

The anger among protesters is palpable, with many expressing frustration over record poverty and wealth inequality under Macron's leadership. Camille Chesnier, 27, spoke out about her own struggles in finding employment despite holding an engineering degree and a master's degree.

Protesters took to the streets in several cities across France, with varying estimates of attendance numbers. In Marseille, authorities reported around 17,000 people joined the demonstrations, while the CGT union estimated a much higher number of 100,000 attendees.

In other cities, such as Toulouse and Orléans, significant crowds also gathered to protest against the government's policies. According to authorities in Toulouse, approximately 26,500 people participated in the rallies there.

The presence of police was notable in several locations, including Paris and Lyon, where authorities had banned rallies due to concerns over public safety. Gendarmes were deployed near iconic landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe, while shopkeepers across Paris boarded up storefronts in anticipation of potential unrest.

In Orléans, a separate peaceful protest was held against the far right, coinciding with Le Pen's National Rally congress. The event drew thousands of marchers, who were joined by student groups advocating for increased access to higher education and an overhaul of the national admissions system.

The economic frustrations driving the protests in Paris are multifaceted. In addition to seeking financial support for their studies, protesters are also calling for assistance with everyday living costs.

Protesters have taken to the streets of Paris, frustrated by rising energy prices and overall inflation. Energy prices soared 21.3% higher in September compared to the same period last year, according to national statistics agency INSEE, contributing to a 3.1% overall inflation rate.

Fortune: https://fortune.com/2026/10/24/french-police-tear-gas-water-cannons-protests-violence/

The demonstrations in Paris began peacefully but quickly turned violent as government security forces responded to escalating tensions. The situation in other cities was equally intense, with clashes erupting between protesters and police.

In Paris, riot police squads fired tear gas at protesters in an effort to restore order, while similar scenes played out in cities such as Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, Lille, Toulouse, Montpellier, and Nantes.

The government's security response was characterized by Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez as a necessary measure to address the "extremely elevated level of violence" displayed by some protesters. He noted that nearly 1,000 people were arrested during the demonstrations.

As protests continued across France, other countries in Europe also saw rallies and demonstrations, with some issues overlapping with those driving the French protests.

Security forces reported a relatively calm day across France despite widespread protests against the cost of living, which drew hundreds of thousands of people into the streets.

The deployment of 70,000 security personnel was the largest since the riots that ravaged parts of the country last week, resulting in the arrest of over 2,700 people and significant property damage to public buildings and businesses.

Two individuals were seriously injured during Saturday's demonstrations, with one man reportedly losing fingers in Toulouse and another person hurt in Clermont-Ferrand. However, authorities did not provide further details on these incidents.

The government has been criticized for its handling of the protests, which many view as an assault on the right to peaceful assembly and free expression. Despite this, officials claim that Saturday's outcome was more positive than last week's events, with a greater police presence and increased efforts to prevent violence.

Estimates suggest that between 410,000 and 800,000 people participated in the nationwide protests, while around 110,000 to 250,000 marched through Paris.

The French government had taken measures to prevent protesters from reaching city centers and shops, where looting had occurred in previous demonstrations. In Paris, many shop windows were boarded up, and major museums like the Louvre and Musee d'Orsay remained closed for the day.

Despite these efforts, the main demonstration in Paris passed off largely peacefully, with the march being pushed to the city's southeast rim at short notice by authorities. The route change seemed to have been successful in containing the protest within designated areas.

However, clashes broke out as protesters began dispersing from the main event, with reports emerging of a prolonged confrontation involving around 500 individuals. According to eyewitness accounts, police charged repeatedly and employed tear gas and batons against some protesters.

The confrontations were intense, with AFP journalists observing police vigorously using force against mostly young protesters. One demonstrator, who gave his name as David, described the scene, saying that police moved aggressively towards everyone, ordering them to get down and back off before taking people down and beating them.

Protesters in several cities across France broke through police lines and made their way into city centers despite efforts by authorities to restrict their movements.

In Nantes, thousands of demonstrators pushed past tear gas and a water cannon deployed by police, forcing them to retreat as the crowd surged forward. The city's central area was eventually reached, with protesters gathering in large numbers.

Marchers in Rennes expressed frustration at the current state of affairs, with one young woman, Emma, denouncing the government's restrictions on demonstrations and what she termed "repression of student protests. She joined thousands of others who took to the streets across France, determined to make their voices heard.

In Lille, a 47-year-old demonstrator named Delphine marched at the head of her group, undeterred by rain or the prospect of police intervention. Neither the president nor the weather will stop me," she declared firmly, as protesters continued to arrive in the city center.

Meanwhile, tensions flared in Lyon when police used tear gas to disperse a crowd of around 1,000 people gathered in the southern part of the city.

The French government has downplayed the impact of recent protests, describing them as peaceful despite reports of police using tear gas in several cities. This assessment comes a week after widespread looting and violence broke out across France following President Macron's decision to raise fuel taxes.

Meanwhile, tensions flared in Lyon when police used tear gas to disperse a crowd of around 1,000 people gathered in the southern part of the city. The unrest was sparked by a rally held by far-right leader Marine Le Pen's National Rally party in Orleans, which drew thousands of counter-protesters chanting anti-fascist slogans.

The protests have highlighted France's febrile political atmosphere ahead of the presidential election, in which Le Pen is currently leading in surveys. Inflation has surged since the start of the Middle East war in February, with fuel prices being a major concern for many French citizens.

France 24 English: https://www.france24.com/en/france/20261024-the-marches-went-well-%E2%80%93-french-government-on-demonstrations-a-week-after-looting-and-violence

Students, union members, environmentalists, and other groups marched through the cold, rainy weather, showing their discontent with the current state of affairs. The march was attended by an estimated 110,000 people, according to Paris police. The turnout was a testament to the widespread frustration among the French population.

As the demonstration reached its end point at Porte de Vincennes, some protesters turned violent, throwing bottles and rocks at police. In response, officers charged at the crowd, fired tear gas, and used water cannons. The clashes lasted for about an hour, causing disruptions in the area.

The use of force by police was not limited to Paris. Reports emerged that police had deployed tear gas in several other cities, including Lyon, Clermont-Ferrand, and Strasbourg, while water cannons were used in Nice and Nantes. In Marseille, officers fired tear gas during clashes with a group of people near the end point of the march.

The nationwide deployment of up to 70,000 officers by Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has brought a massive police presence to the streets of France, as protests against President Emmanuel Macron's government continue to escalate.

Trade unions took the lead in organizing the marches, which drew tens of thousands of people from Porte d'Italie and other parts of the city. Demonstrators carried handmade placards and flags, with many dressed in raincoats to brave the elements. The sheer scale of the turnout has put a strain on police resources.

As protesters attempted to march toward Place de la Nation, they were blocked by police at Porte de Vincennes, according to reports from French media outlets. This move has sparked further tensions between demonstrators and law enforcement, with some participants expressing frustration at being unable to continue their march.

The personal stories of protesters like Camille Chesnier, a 27-year-old engineering graduate struggling to find work, have highlighted the economic grievances driving the protests. Another demonstrator, Domitille, said that people are taking to the streets on several critical issues, including rising living costs and unemployment.

As protests in France continue to grow, demonstrators are voicing their discontent with the government's handling of rising living costs and unemployment. The situation has become increasingly tense, with police using tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds.

The widespread nature of these protests is a testament to the fact that people from all walks of life are taking to the streets to express their grievances. This includes students demanding better schools and workers seeking higher wages and pensions, as well as those concerned about rising living costs. According to national statistics, the cost of living has increased by 1% in recent times.

The protests have been met with a mixed response from authorities, with some demonstrations being banned outright. However, this move appears to have had little effect on the momentum of the movement, which began as a small protest over staff shortages at a high school southeast of Paris but has since grown into a national phenomenon. Despite police efforts to clear crowds, protesters remain determined to be heard.

On Saturday morning, authorities ordered protesters out of Place de la Bastille in Paris, using a megaphone to inform them that they faced fines of 135 euros ($150) if they refused to leave. While some people complied with the order, others chose to stay and continue their demonstrations, adding to the sense of urgency and frustration that pervades this national movement.

A 58-year-old nurse from Paris, Soumaya Abed, has been participating in protests for over three decades and claims this march was unique due to its unusual starting point at Porte d'Italie.

The protests continue despite the government's efforts to quash them, with some demonstrators expressing frustration that authorities are using last week's events as a pretext to silence them.

A student from Paris' Sorbonne University joined the protests after witnessing police crack down on demonstrations at Sorbonne Nouvelle University, which he described as chaotic and unjustified.

The student emphasized that protesters are not violent, but rather peaceful demonstrators seeking their rights, and he noted that students make up a significant portion of those participating in the movement.

Protests were also held in Marseille, where police estimated 17,000 people attended, while the CGT union put the number at 100,000; in Toulouse, authorities reported 26,500 protesters.

The French government's response to the protests has been met with criticism from some quarters, as President Emmanuel Macron faces growing opposition in the final stretch of his term.

Macron's popularity has plummeted to its lowest since he took office in 2017, and his efforts to address the crisis have been seen as insufficient by many. The use of tear gas and water cannons by police has only added fuel to the fire, with protesters accusing authorities of heavy-handed tactics.

In an effort to quell the unrest, Macron has maintained that the measures are necessary to protect city centers, businesses, and public buildings. However, his stance has been met with skepticism by many, who see it as a desperate attempt to cling to power.

As the protests continue to escalate, shopkeepers across France are taking precautions to secure their properties. In Paris, gendarmes stood guard beneath the Arc de Triomphe while shopkeepers boarded up storefronts in preparation for further unrest.

Thousands of students and workers took to the streets in France, voicing their discontent over the country's education system. Their demands include a significant increase in higher education spots - specifically, 250,000 more places are being sought.

Their joint plan also calls for an overhaul of the national admissions system, Parcoursup, which currently employs selection methods that have been criticized by protesters. Furthermore, they are seeking increased support to cover everyday costs, including a student grant boost and rent freeze in public housing.

NBC News World: https://www.nbcnews.com/world/france/paris-shuts-louvre-museums-police-deploy-big-numbers-new-protests-fran-rcna605174