Protests in France escalate - police use tear gas, more than 160 arrests

At a large demonstration in Paris as part of a nationwide day of protest against high costs of living and abuses in the education system, there were violent clashes between the police and the protesters on Saturday afternoon. At Republic Square, officers used tear gas several times while demonstrators set off fireworks, a reporter from the AFP news agency observed.

According to the police, around a hundred demonstrators had previously attacked the headquarters of the broadcaster CNews, which belongs to the group of the right-wing French billionaire Vincent Bolloré. 21 people were arrested for throwing objects at the building's windows. Another 40 people were arrested for carrying protective equipment or “prohibited weapons,” police said. A ban on demonstrations had been issued for parts of the city.

During the day of protest, 1,500 actions, demonstrations or blockades were announced across the country on a website specially set up for this purpose, including rallies, gatherings at roundabouts, roadblocks and blockades of train stations, bridges, toll booths, gas stations and refineries. According to information from Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, the Ministry of the Interior counted 32,800 participants in 140 actions at midday. Accordingly, 166 people were arrested.

The extent of the protests, which former yellow vests, schoolchildren, students, climate activists and even farmers have agreed to take part in, was initially difficult to predict, among other things because of the start of the holidays. In addition, the unions have called for a day of protest on November 5th.

Nuñez did not rule out the use of stun grenades in the event of “extremely serious riots”. This was suspended following serious incidents during student protests. French President Emmanuel Macron called for prudence on Friday. The right to demonstrate must be accompanied by respect - without “insulting” or “rioting,” he emphasized at the EU summit in Brussels.

In their protests that have been going on since mid-September, students in France are demanding more teachers, smaller classes and better equipment. The protests are taking place against the backdrop of an austerity budget that the government wants to get through parliament. This also provides for cuts in the education sector. Presidential elections will take place in France next year. Macron cannot run again after two terms in office.