In pictures: France protests draw 146,000 as clashes erupt for fourth straight weekend
Mass protests across France entered a fourth consecutive weekend, drawing students, unions, and revived Yellow Vest activists amid anger over living costs and public services. The Interior Ministry put national turnout at about 146,000, with clashes and tear gas reported in Paris and several cities as protests followed a rejection of part of the 2027 budget by lawmakers. The demonstrations reflect ongoing pressure on the government to address purchasing power while balancing fiscal restraint, with talks looming between government, labor, and employer representatives. The movement’s momentum follows a late-September spark and signals continued domestic tension as officials prepare further budget discussion and wage considerations.
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Protests spanned multiple cities for a fourth weekend in a row, indicating sustained mobilization beyond a one-off event.
The Yellow Vest movement, which began in 2018 over fuel taxes, resurfaced as part of a broader coalition ranging from students to trade unions.
Clashes included police use of tear gas and projectiles, with barricades and arson affecting urban areas and leading to arrests in several locations.
The turnout figure cited by the Interior Ministry was 146,000 nationwide, highlighting a sizable, though not peak, turnout relative to prior weekends.
A separate youth union alliance claimed higher attendance, citing around 250,000 nationally, underscoring divergent estimates of protest scale.
The protests followed lawmakers’ rejection of the revenue section of the 2027 budget, placing the government under pressure to address public anger while managing finances.
Upcoming negotiations and debates were scheduled, with Prime Minister Lecornu planning wage discussions with labor and employer representatives as the budget advances to the Senate.