French Protests Show No Signs of Slowing
Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets across France on Saturday for a third consecutive weekend of demonstrations, as protests over school conditions expanded to include wider concerns about living costs and public services.
France’s Interior Ministry estimated that 320,000 people participated, down from 410,000 the previous weekend. Most marches were peaceful, but clashes broke out in Paris and other cities as demonstrations ended, according to the Associated Press.
Authorities reported more than 560 arrests during Saturday’s demonstrations, while police used tear gas to disperse crowds in several cities.
Reuters reported that student representatives have rejected the government’s education measures as insufficient and vowed to continue protesting. Further demonstrations, school blockades, and a nationwide strike are planned for November 5.
The movement began in September, with high school students protesting teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and deteriorating school buildings. It has since attracted support from trade unions and other groups.