Large-Scale Protests in France Continue for Fifth Weekend in a Row
Protests continued in France on Saturday for the fifth consecutive weekend, with student unions estimating that up to 200,000 people have demonstrated nationwide. Participants are demanding action on the cost of living, housing and education.
Large-scale protests are taking place in France for the fifth weekend in a row, with participants demanding that the authorities address the cost of living, housing availability and the quality of education. Student unions estimate that the number of demonstrators across the country has reached 200,000. The continuing rallies show that discontent over social issues has not eased for several weeks.
In addition to the economic and social demands, protesters are also speaking out against violence towards children and teenagers.
Security measures
French authorities had planned for 50 to 60 protest events across the country on Saturday. Roughly 70,000 police officers were assigned to monitor them.
How it began
The wave of protests began on 25 September in the suburbs of Paris and gradually spread to other French cities. In mid-October, demonstrations in several places escalated into violent clashes with police, as well as looting and arson at shops.
At that time, police detained more than 2,500 people, while about 1,000 police officers and gendarmes were injured.
