2 publishers · first seen Thu, 05 Nov 2026 07:11 UTC · updated Sun, 08 Nov 2026 09:29 UTC
Thousands of people protested across France on Saturday, marking the fourth consecutive weekend of demonstrations against the rising cost of living. The interior ministry reported 146,000 participants nationwide, including 46,000 in Paris, while unions estimated the number to be over 250,000. Despite a lower turnout than previous weeks, clashes erupted between police and some protesters in Paris. Police used tear gas against individuals throwing projectiles and homemade fireworks at the security forces. The protests come as the country heads to presidential elections in five months’ time, where the far right sees its best chance yet to win power.
The government is grappling with ways to find solutions but is constrained by France’s gigantic debt pile, which is already spooking markets. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is to meet unions and employer federation representatives on Monday to discuss wages and purchasing power.
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