France's third weekend of social protests sees lower turnout and early clashes in major cities

France's third weekend of social protests has witnessed a decrease in turnout and early clashes in major cities. According to the Interior Ministry, around 320,000 participants took part in the demonstrations, with 70,000 in Paris. This figure is lower than previous days, such as the 410,000 on Saturday, 24 October, and 550,000 on 17 October, as reported by the government.

Organisers claimed they counted 800,000 demonstrators on both days, which could be due to disruptions in public transport. In Lyon, trams and metro trains were operating at half capacity, while Paris saw more than 40 metro stations closed and tram traffic affected.

Authorities noted a generally calm situation, with 27 arrests recorded by 2 p.m. compared to 217 at the same time during the 24 October mobilisation. However, they are concerned that Halloween evening might provide a pretext for street clashes as marches start to disperse in major cities. Tear gas was used in Lyon as the demonstration arrived at Place Jean-Macé, and the Interior Ministry warned of strict measures against those responsible for violence and damage.

The protests began as a high school student movement against neglected buildings, teacher shortages, and an unfair university admissions system. Labour unions and others opposed to President Emmanuel Macron joined with various demands. While most protesters have been peaceful, troublemakers have targeted police with fireworks and projectiles, leading to some protests turning into rioting and looting, particularly on 17 October.

To protect shops, Macron requested that marches stay out of city centres, and police barred entry to Place de la République and Les Halles from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.

This Friday and Saturday, unaccompanied minors faced a 9 p.m. curfew around the Champs-Élysées, though a Paris court suspended an earlier curfew on minors as a serious and illegal infringement on freedom of movement. The protests have spread across Europe, with similar demonstrations in Germany, Italy, and Spain. In Germany, a youth initiative called "Gen Z regelt" called for investment in education, health, and affordable living conditions.

Berlin's Brandenburg Gate saw young protesters demanding improvements in education and housing. In The Hague, Netherlands, police were vigilant after online calls for protest and fears of rioting. In Italy, clashes occurred in Milan, Turin, and Bologna, and police were on alert. In Barcelona, Catalan police activated the highest-level alert after an anonymous TikTok network called Blocus urged new gatherings, resulting in around 130 arrests, mostly minors. Calls for protests also circulated in Belgium, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, and Portugal.