France Protests Draw 7,000 as Police Block Yellow Vest Rally
Thousands protested across France on Saturday, marking a fourth consecutive weekend of demonstrations. Police prevented a banned Yellow Vests gathering near the presidential palace in Paris, while an official reported 7,000 protesters nationwide early in the afternoon.
France’s Interior Ministry counted 7,000 protesters nationwide early Saturday afternoon, as police blocked a banned Yellow Vests gathering near the Élysée Palace in Paris during another day of France’s protests.
The demonstrations marked a fourth consecutive weekend of rallies against the government. Authorities had expected as many as 170,000 people nationwide, including 60,000 in Paris.
The reported turnout was lower than at the same point the previous week, an official said. The Saturday protests followed union-led demonstrations and strikes on Thursday.
Unions marched along a traditional route from Place de la République in central Paris to Place de la Nation in the east. The Yellow Vests movement called a rival gathering at Place de la Concorde, close to the president’s office and residence.
Police prevented protesters from approaching the square. About 100 people who arrived were surrounded by officers, and movement coordinator Benjamin Ball and spokeswoman Azelma Sigaux were apprehended, an AFP reporter said.
In Lyon, police fired tear gas to disperse several hundred people who had blocked a road during an unauthorized gathering.
“The risk is exactly the same as on previous Saturdays,” Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said, urging authorities “not to lower their guard.”
Authorities deployed 70,000 security personnel. The mobilization followed unrest during mass protests on October 17 that degenerated into the worst riots seen in France in years.
High school students angered by conditions at their schools sparked the wider protest wave in late September. University students have since joined them, alongside workers and the revived Yellow Vests movement.
“Today is a date that helps keep the pressure on,” Student Union spokeswoman Sabine Kharbach said. “Many young people are mobilising because the government's responses remain unsatisfactory.”
Teachers’ unions have vowed further walkouts next week. Student and teacher groups also called for a new strike on Tuesday, demanding more education spending.
The demonstrations have disrupted businesses along protest routes. Paris shop manager Jean Emile Moulinier said few customers were willing to cross security barricades on protest weekends. “So this can't go on, otherwise I think it will be a disaster before long,” he said.
Stores in Paris and other cities again covered windows with wooden shutters, with many closing for the day to guard against possible looting.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is due to meet unions and employer federation representatives on Monday to discuss wages and purchasing power. The government is seeking solutions while constrained by its debt burden, the report said.
Polls show far-right candidate Marine Le Pen as the favorite to win the presidency in 2027.
