Nearly 1.6 million people joined protests across France on Thursday, according to the CGT labour union, while the interior ministry put turnout at around 600,000 as of 5 p.m. (1600 GMT). Following demonstrations marred by violence and clashes with law enforcement, particularly on Oct. 17, Thursday’s strikes also included protests over alleged infringements of the freedom to demonstrate.
The action followed demonstrations over living costs, public services and education that triggered some of the worst civil unrest France has seen in years. Authorities sought to lower tensions after riots and looting on Oct. 17 caught security forces off guard, damaging shops and public buildings and fuelling criticism of President Emmanuel Macron’s handling of the crisis.
Macron convened a defence and security meeting on Wednesday ahead of the protests. A movement that began with student anger over deteriorating school conditions and concerns about opportunities for young people had evolved into a broader challenge to his government.
Some protesters shouted anti-police slogans. Some were dressed all in black, with face coverings.
Around 70,000 police were deployed nationwide. The domestic intelligence service had expected between 500,000 and 700,000 people to join demonstrations outside Paris. The interior ministry earlier in the afternoon put the number at 270,000 people at 180 rallies nationwide, not including the capital.
The French education ministry said 17.5 percent of public primary school teachers were expected to strike. The nationwide protests and a strike by public workers were called by trade unions including the CGT and backed by student groups. The CGT, a major organiser of the action, said the figure included 350,000 marchers in Paris. Earlier it said more than 250,000 people had taken part across 73 cities by lunchtime.
“Protesting is a right, but endangering others and damaging property cannot be tolerated,” the interior ministry said in a post on X. It cited mortar fire, fires, traffic disruption and projectiles thrown at police.