Paris: Mass protests once again took place in France on Saturday, October 24. Thousands of people took to the streets in many cities including the capital Paris and raised slogans against the government. The main demands of the protesters include improvement in the education system, control of inflation, increasing employment opportunities and better salaries and pensions. Clashes also took place between police and protesters during the demonstration in Paris. Police used tear gas and water cannons to control the situation.
What happened during the demonstration in Paris?
According to the French Interior Ministry, about 4 lakh 10 thousand people took part in the protests across the country, while information about about 1,000 people being arrested came to light. The biggest demonstration on Saturday took place in Paris, where about 1 lakh 10 thousand people joined the march.
The protest started peacefully, but later the situation worsened in some places. Authorities had limited the march route to the southeastern part of Paris. The march started from Port d’Italie and reached Port de Vincennes. Some protesters tried to advance towards the Place de la Nassie but were stopped by police.
How was the situation in other cities of France?
Apart from Paris, police also used tear gas in Lyon, Clermont-Ferrand and Strasbourg. In Nice and Nantes, attempts were made to disperse the crowd with the help of water cannons. There were clashes between some people and the police during the final stages of the demonstration in Marseille.
According to the Paris prosecutor’s office, 64 people were arrested and 40 remain in police custody in connection with Saturday’s demonstrations. Six minors were also among those arrested.
Why are these protests happening?
The movement began last month in protest against staff shortages at a high school southeast of Paris. Gradually people from other classes also joined it. Students are demanding better education system and additional seats, while employees want better salaries, pensions and improved employment conditions.
According to the data of the Education Ministry, about 1 crore 54 lakh teaching hours were affected due to the absence of teachers in government middle and high schools in the academic year 2024-25. Student organisations have also raised demands for appointment of teachers in schools and universities, increase in scholarships and reduction in student accommodation rents.
Will the protests continue in France?
Authorities had imposed restrictions on demonstrations in some cities, including Lyon, Nice and Montpellier. Trade unions have opposed these restrictions, calling them an issue related to freedom of expression. Organisations associated with the Yellow Vest movement have called for another demonstration on October 31. In such a situation, the series of protests in France is likely to continue further.
