Mass protests across France draw half a million participants, police use tear gas

Police fired tear gas in Paris on Saturday as anti-government protests spread to several French cities. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said roughly 110,000 people gathered in the capital and a total of about 550,000 demonstrated nationwide, while organizers claimed higher numbers. Demonstrations also took place in Rennes, Lyon, Marseille, Lille and other towns.

Protesters climbed onto statues, set fires and, according to reports, entered government buildings in Lille and Marseille as night fell. A 36-year-old demonstrator named Pauline told CNN the protests reflect “an accumulation of wealth and power that’s completely out of control” and expressed concern for youth prospects. Another participant, Louise, 38, said she sees “less democracy” and a concentration of power under President Emmanuel Macron.

President Macron condemned the violence, describing the perpetrators as “sowers of chaos” and warning that those who damaged police stations, businesses or municipal buildings would face prosecution. The Paris Police Prefecture said its officers “stood their ground with courage and professionalism” amid the unrest.

At least 195 people have been detained. Earlier in the week, a 14-year-old boy suffered a fractured jaw during police action, and a police officer was filmed applying a prohibited headlock on a girl in Alençon. A protester in Saint-Étienne lost a hand, and a student in Lens previously lost a hand after handling a grenade, prompting a temporary suspension of a type of stun grenade, which has now been lifted.

Authorities noted that the “vast majority of individuals” demonstrated peacefully, according to BFMTV. Far-left politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon posted on X that most demonstrators acted calmly, contrasting images of violence with peaceful mobilisations. Youth solidarity protests were also held in Belgium, Albania and Italy.