Thousands Protest Across France as Anger Against Government Grows

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Thousands Protest Across France as Anger Against Government Grows

Published : Sunday, 8 November, 2026 at 11:41 AM, Count : 30

Thousands Protest Across France as Anger Against Government Grows

Thousands of people took to the streets across France on Saturday for another round of protests against the government, as police in Paris moved to prevent an unauthorised gathering near the presidential Elysee Palace.

The demonstrations marked the fourth consecutive weekend of protests, which have intensified as France approaches presidential elections scheduled for five months from now. The far-right political camp sees the upcoming election as its strongest opportunity yet to take power.

Authorities had expected up to 170,000 protesters nationwide, including 60,000 in Paris. However, the Interior Ministry counted around 7,000 demonstrators across the country by early afternoon, fewer than at the same time last week, indicating a decline in participation, an official told AFP.

The protests followed nationwide demonstrations and strikes by trade unions on Thursday. Teachers' unions have also threatened further walkouts next week.

Around 70,000 security personnel were deployed across France on Saturday to respond swiftly to any unrest, following the October 17 demonstrations that turned into some of the country's worst riots in years.

Trade unions organised a march along a traditional route from Place de la Republique in central Paris to Place de la Nation in the eastern part of the city.

Meanwhile, the Yellow Vests movement, whose demonstrations shook President Emmanuel Macron's government during the early years of his presidency nearly a decade ago, called for a rival gathering at Place de la Concorde, close to the Elysee Palace and the National Assembly.

Authorities had banned the gathering, and a heavy police presence prevented protesters from approaching the area. Around 100 people who arrived were surrounded by police. Benjamin Ball, one of the movement's coordinators, and its spokeswoman, Azelma Sigaux, were also detained, according to an AFP reporter.

In the southeastern city of Lyon, police used tear gas to disperse several hundred demonstrators who had gathered without authorisation and blocked a road in the city centre.

"The risk is exactly the same as on previous Saturdays," Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said, urging authorities to remain vigilant.

'This can't go on'

The latest wave of protests began in late September, when high school students took to the streets over conditions at their educational institutions. University students later joined them, and young people remain at the centre of the demonstrations.

"Today is a date that helps keep the pressure on," said Sabine Kharbach, spokeswoman for the Student Union. She added that many young people were participating because the government's responses to their demands remained unsatisfactory.

Police handling of the demonstrations has also come under criticism, with dozens of internal investigations launched over allegations of excessive force against protesters.

Following several reported incidents of police brutality involving AFP journalists covering the demonstrations, the international news agency on Friday called for greater protection for its reporters.

The protests have also affected local businesses. Jean Emile Moulinier, a shop manager in Paris, said his business was suffering because customers were reluctant to cross security barricades during protest weekends.

"This can't go on, otherwise I think it will be a disaster before long," he said.

Shops in Paris and other cities once again covered their windows with wooden boards and frequently remained closed to prevent possible looting.

The government is struggling to find solutions to the growing discontent, but its options are limited by France's massive public debt, which has already raised concerns in financial markets.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is scheduled to meet trade unions and employer federation representatives on Monday to discuss wages and purchasing power.

Meanwhile, student and teacher organisations have called for another strike on Tuesday to demand increased education spending. They said protesters were in a strong position while the government was weakening and beginning to make concessions.

As political tensions continue, opinion polls indicate that far-right candidate Marine Le Pen is currently the favourite to win the presidency in 2027. Her leading challenger is no longer one of Macron's former centrist allies but hard-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon.

Melenchon was scheduled to address a rally later on Saturday.

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