France sees renewed protests amidst broader European demonstrations

Authorities deployed approximately 70,000 police and gendarmes across the country, rerouting Paris marches to the city’s outskirts to minimize disruption near government buildings and tourist areas. Similar youth-led demonstrations were also reported in Germany and Italy.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has cautioned about a “very high risk” of disorder, particularly after dark on Halloween, following incidents of rioting and looting that accompanied previous marches. Police have made around 300 arrests thus far, significantly fewer than the 800 recorded during last week’s protests.

Thousands gathered at Porte de Bagnolet in Paris, led by students, with security personnel from the CGT labor union and police maintaining a visible presence. The main Paris protest, attended by an estimated 70,000 people, was moved outside the city center following a court ruling.

The protesters’ grievances are varied, encompassing concerns from high school students, climate activists, and those struggling with the rising cost of living. Corentin Cabreux, a 21-year-old student, described the conditions in his state-run residence as “damp stains all along the bottom of my walls, whole sections peeling off, cockroaches everywhere, rats.”

The march proceeded along the Boulevards des Maréchaux, a ring road around Paris, with a festive atmosphere punctuated by techno music, street painting, and even impromptu trick-or-treating. A police helicopter monitored the procession as the sun set.

Later in the evening, clashes erupted near Porte de Charenton, where the march concluded. Protesters threw glass bottles and fireworks at police, who responded with stun grenades and tear gas. Many peaceful marchers retreated, coughing and teary-eyed, while others sought refuge in the Bois de Vincennes.

Authorities have implemented measures such as curfews to manage potential unrest. A Paris court recently overturned a previous curfew for minors near the Champs-Elysees, deeming it an infringement on freedom of movement.

In Germany, the “Gen Z regelt” initiative organized rallies in over 30 cities, advocating for education, climate protection, and affordable living. Organizers claimed tens of thousands participated, although official figures are pending. In Berlin, high school student Lara Breitenbach stated, “We call for more money to be invested in social services and education… because we are the ones who will be affected by this the longest.” Janelle Schulz, also a Berlin student, highlighted issues like water-damaged ceilings and teacher shortages at her school.

German police in Cologne ended a protest early due to the use of pyrotechnics and stone-throwing. Similar incidents occurred in Hamburg and Frankfurt, where protesters injured several officers, one severely. Portugal saw thousands peacefully protesting the housing crisis in Lisbon, while The Hague, Netherlands, experienced heightened police presence amid concerns of unrest, although major disturbances did not occur.