French protests continue for fourth weekend as police cordon off the Élysée Palace

A smaller turnout under heavy policing

Protesters returned to the streets of France on Saturday, 7 November, for a fourth consecutive weekend, voicing anger at the government over the cost of living, low wages and education. Authorities had expected up to 170,000 demonstrators nationwide, including 60,000 in Paris, but the interior ministry counted about 7,000 participants across the country by 14:00 local time, fewer than at the same hour the previous week. Around 70,000 security personnel were deployed to prevent violence, a precaution shaped by the violent riots of 17 October. In Paris, unions marched from the Place de la République to the Place de la Nation with authorization, while the Yellow Vests had called a separate gathering at the Place de la Concorde, close to the Élysée Palace and the National Assembly.

Police cordons and clashes

The Concorde gathering had been banned, and police surrounded about 100 people who tried to assemble there. Two movement representatives were brought in by police, and in.gr reported that two prominent Yellow Vest figures were arrested at a police station in the 17th arrondissement. The movement is expected to hold a press conference after their questioning. After the Paris march ended, clashes broke out at the Place de la Nation, where police used tear gas and stun grenades, according to reports, and a male nurse reportedly fainted from the effects of the gas. In Lyon, police used tear gas to disperse hundreds of people who had blocked a central street in an unauthorized gathering. In Marseille, where the prefecture put the turnout at 5,200, police formed a barrier and used tear gas after issuing warnings.

Conflicting tallies and warnings

Accounts of the arrest and check figures differ. One official tally reported 15 arrests and more than 5,800 police checks since morning, while a count at 14:00 local time cited by NEWS 24/7 gave 18 arrests and over 15,600 preventive checks. Interior minister Laurent Nuñez said calls had appeared on social media for attacks on police officers, public buildings and shops. He warned that authorities would respond firmly to anyone involved in violent clashes or looting. Shops in several cities stayed closed or boarded up their windows, fearing clashes and looting, and police opened dozens of inquiries into complaints of excessive force against protesters.

Unions, students and the next steps

Thursday's nationwide strike marked the peak of a week of blockades. The interior ministry said more than 500,000 people took part, while the CGT union put the figure at nearly 1.6 million. The movement began as school student protests over education before widening into a broader campaign on prices, low wages and inadequate social benefits.

Manon Moré, the UNEF general secretary, said at the Place de la République that the young remain determined and angry, adding that the government has not answered their demands.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is due to hold talks with union representatives on Monday, 9 November, and a social conference with unions and employers is set for that morning at Matignon. Meetings with school and student organizations are planned for the afternoon. Unions are waiting for the outcome of those meetings before deciding whether to launch fresh action. Strikes in education and pan-educational rallies are planned for Tuesday, 10 November.

Sabine Harbas, a spokesperson for the student union, said the day helped keep up the pressure, adding that government responses still fail to satisfy young people.

“Today helps keep the pressure on.”

The government has limited room for financial concessions because of high public debt.