Some 320,000 people join largely peaceful protests across France for a third weekend

Nationwide protests against rising living costs and deteriorating public services were held across France on Saturday, October 31, for a third weekend in a row. The demonstrations were largely peaceful, but scuffles broke out at their close in Paris and other cities. Authorities have warned that unrest could continue overnight, as Halloween celebrations are under way.

The protest wave follows riots and looting on October 17, which caught security forces off guard and damaged shops, public buildings and businesses around the country.

Turnout and security situation

According to the French interior ministry, 320,000 people took part nationwide, including 70,000 in Paris. Organisers put the figure at nearly half a million. The ministry counted 410,000 the previous Saturday and 550,000 on October 17.

At the end of the Paris march, riot police dispersed small groups of rioters. Tear gas was used in Lyon, France's third-largest city, and in Toulouse in the southwest. Tensions also followed unauthorised protests in Marseille, though calm returned by nightfall.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez told reporters that security forces held their ground, protected city centres and maintained public order, but had faced a great deal of violence. He said there were calls for insurrection on Halloween night and promised a firm response. Authorities have warned that masks could be used to hide rioters' identities.

Protesters and political backdrop

The protests gathered momentum in late September, when President Emmanuel Macron's minority government opened talks on the 2027 budget. Students angry about the state of schools, overcrowded classrooms and the university admissions system have been joined by trade unions and the Yellow Vests movement, demanding action on the cost of living, high fuel prices and inflation. Government promises to reform education and ease fuel costs have not calmed the discontent.

On Friday, ratings agency Fitch unexpectedly revised its outlook on French debt to negative. Public debt is nearing 120 percent of economic output. The Chamber of Commerce estimates that retailers' losses over the three weeks of unrest have exceeded €1 billion.