Protesters take part in a protest against the increase in the cost of living and fuel, organized by the "Yellow Vests" and unions, in Paris, France, on November 7, 2026. — Photo: Stephanie Lecocq/REUTERS
According to the Ministry of the Interior, 106 thousand people took to the streets across the country. Organizers estimate that the mobilization brought together 200,000 protesters. The event had lower participation than last week, but maintains pressure on the government. This Saturday's protest was marked by the attack on a team from the BFMTV broadcaster in Lyon.
The fifth national mobilization day was called by the Yellow Vests and student organizations. According to the Ministry of the Interior, the protests brought together 40,000 fewer protesters across the country than last week. The youth union coordination estimates the participation of 200 thousand people, compared to 250 thousand in the previous event.
The mobilization brought together demands from high school and university students, protests against the increase in the cost of living and union demands for salary adjustments, more investment in public services and against police violence. The protests were mostly peaceful, but some saw sporadic episodes of violence.
In Paris, the march left Place de la Bastille and continued to Praça da Nação. On the route authorized by the police, the government counted 24 thousand protesters, while the organizers spoke of around 100 thousand participants. The demonstration in the capital took place without major incidents or scenes of violence similar to those recorded in previous acts.
The Interior Ministry reported that 121 people had been detained across the country as of 5 p.m. In Paris, the Public Prosecutor's Office registered 22 arrests, including three minors. The detainees are mainly suspected of carrying sharp weapons, as well as contempt and non-compliance with prohibitions on participating in protests.
The most serious incident of the day was recorded in Lyon, in the center-east of the country. A team from the news channel BFMTV, made up of two journalists and two security officers, was attacked by protesters on the sidelines of the procession. Authorities in the region described the attack, compared to an attempted lynching, as "very violent". The intervention of French police riot units was necessary to remove professionals from the scene and ensure their safety.
A witness told AFP that one of the journalists received several blows. His camera was thrown to the ground, broken and later stolen. The professional was in a state of shock after the attack.
The demonstration in Lyon brought together around 8 thousand people, according to authorities, in an event that combined different agendas, including mobilizations for the climate and the rights of children and young people. Although the atmosphere remained peaceful for most of the route, clashes occurred at the front of the procession. Protesters launched mortars at security forces, who responded with tear gas grenades. A barricade was also set up and set on fire shortly before the attack on the television crew.
Despite the isolated episodes of violence, the Ministry of the Interior assessed throughout the day that the situation remained "calm and under control" in most of French territory during this fifth national act of the current wave of social mobilization.
More than 300 demonstrations were planned this Saturday across the country. They took place under a strong security scheme that mobilized 70,000 police officers. The number of protesters on the streets has decreased, but the agenda of demands has expanded in recent weeks.
The movement emerged in early October from the mobilization of high school students for more resources for education and now includes demands for salary adjustments, protection of children and adolescents and criticism of the government's security policy. Protesters want to prevent the approval of a bill that strengthens the protection of police officers who use their weapons.
A new day of strikes and protests is scheduled for Tuesday (17), at the initiative of the CGT, the largest union center in France, and already has the support of other union organizations. The movement takes place just a few months before the 2027 presidential elections, which will define Emmanuel Macron's successor.
