More than 500,000 people have taken to the streets this Saturday in the main cities of France in a series of massive marches to denounce the deterioration of public education, the increase in the cost of living, and the police violence recorded in recent weeks, according to data released by the General Confederation of Labor (CGT), the main union in the country.
The union has called these protests under the slogan "Salaries, cost of living, public services: we all unite," a mobilization that takes over from the recent high school student demonstrations, which denounced the lack of resources, teachers, and adequate facilities.
In Paris, the march started at the Place de la République, a scene of tensions between agents and demonstrators since early in the morning. The police even used a water cannon, and the start of the demonstration was delayed from the scheduled time of 2:00 PM. Finally, the march progressed relatively calmly to the Place de Clichy, the endpoint of the route.
In other neighborhoods of the capital, incidents have been recorded, with disturbances, the burning of a vehicle, and the use of tear gas by security forces against unauthorized gatherings. Across the country, at least 272 arrests have been counted, of which 195 occurred in Paris, including thirteen minors.
The Prosecutor's Office, cited by the BFMTV network, explained that "the arrests are taking place in all Parisian districts. They are mainly arrests for participation in a group with the aim of committing acts of violence or damage -- individuals arrested with gloves, brass knuckles, or objects for throwing in their bags -- carrying weapons (knives...), possession of explosive products, concealment of the face, and acts of violence." However, authorities emphasize that "the vast majority of demonstrators are protesting peacefully."
The protests have also spread to other large cities. In Lyon, about 20,000 people have gathered; in Nantes, a similar turnout has been recorded, while in Rennes, it is estimated that about 10,000 people have attended.
Among the most striking episodes is the brief assault on the Marseille City Hall. According to images broadcast by TF1, the assailants threw a bust of Marianne, symbol of the Republic, to the ground, painted an anarchist slogan on a wall, and destroyed several screens. Security teams confronted the intruders in the lobby, and they ended up fleeing without any injuries occurring.
The mayor of Marseille, Benoit Payan, has condemned what happened. "This is unacceptable," he declared after the incursion of "vandals" into the city hall. Although he admitted that "the damages are objectively quite limited," he insisted on the symbolic weight of the attack against the bust of Marianne. "It is unacceptable to see people taking advantage of protests to break in, vandalize, and destroy everything that constitutes the foundation of our nation," he added. "This Marianne is supposed to represent all French men and women," he emphasized.
In Lyon, the tourist office located in Bellecour Square has suffered a fire and a looting. A group of hooded individuals attacked the building for about 15 minutes, breaking windows and causing a fire inside.
In downtown Marseille, there have also been looting incidents in dozens of businesses, between the prefecture headquarters and the Old Port, affecting all types of establishments: clothing stores, luxury businesses like a Hermès boutique, appliance stores, makeup, gold and jewelry, food, and bakeries.
At the demonstration in Saint-Étienne, a participant was seriously injured and lost a hand, according to police sources cited by BFMTV. In Lille, a separate group from the main march broke into the city hall.
"WE WILL NOT BE INTIMIDATED"
The French Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, has reacted to the recorded "abuses" by assuring that "we will not be intimidated" and has linked the protests and disturbances to the proximity of next year's presidential elections.
"To those who clearly intend to use this violence as a 'warm-up' before the presidential elections, I say clearly: we will not be intimidated. No one will impose their political agenda through violence," he stated on social media. "The instructions given are clear: prevent abuses, protect property and people, arrest those responsible, and bring them to justice," he added.
From the far right, Jordan Bardella has attacked the riots and the "professionals of chaos" whom he blames. "Only professionals of chaos have gathered to attack the law enforcement forces, loot businesses, and vandalize public buildings," he stated.
Bardella has also charged against the "far left" of Jean-Luc Mélenchon, whom he accuses of encouraging disorder. According to him, Mélenchon "advocates for disorder," is "the best ally of the macronists to discredit any social demand," and calls for "a real mobilization for purchasing power, for lower taxes on fuels, for jobs with decent wages," urging support for the candidate of the National Rally, Marine Le Pen, in the presidential elections.
The leader of La France Insoumise and presidential candidate, Mélenchon, has replied emphasizing that "where there is no police, there is calm and good spirits." "It seems that the goal of this 'law and order' strategy is confrontation. It is regrettable. That is why spontaneous marches are being organized everywhere to demonstrate. And where there is no police, there is calm and a good atmosphere!" he defended, before condemning the police action in the Place de la République.
According to a survey, nearly seven out of ten French people support the mobilization on October 17 against the rising cost of living, after inflation has reached its highest level since January 2024.