Over 140,000 protest rising costs across France

· Politics · France

More than 140,000 people joined nationwide demonstrations across France on Saturday against the rising cost of living, the Interior Ministry said, while student unions put the figure at about 250,000. It was the fourth consecutive weekend of protests. Clashes broke out in Paris and Lyon, where police fired tear gas; authorities said about 200 violent individuals attacked officers in Paris. The Yellow Vests movement defied a ban to rally in central Paris and urged 'mass disobedience', while unions and student groups held an authorised march. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez warned authorities were 'ready and waiting' for rioters. France faces mounting public debt and rising interest costs as it pledges extra education spending.

Why it matters：Sustained unrest over living costs pressures a heavily indebted government and signals how affordability anger is reshaping European politics.

Key points

  • Protests marked the fourth straight weekend of demonstrations.
  • Police fired tear gas in Paris and Lyon as clashes erupted.
  • Student unions estimated turnout at about 250,000; the Interior Ministry said about 146,000.

Sources (original reporting)

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