A third weekend of protests in France as youth-led rallies sweep Europe

On Saturday, France witnessed its third weekend of protests inspired by frustrated high school students, with youth-led rallies spreading across Europe. In France, about 70,000 police and gendarmes were deployed after Interior Minister Laurent Nunez warned of a "very high risk" of disorder, particularly after dark on Halloween. The government estimated that 320,000 people protested nationwide, though organizers reported higher numbers.

Over 560 arrests were made across the country. Protests in Paris, Berlin, Cologne, and Hamburg saw a mix of peaceful demonstrations and violent clashes, with police using tear gas, water cannons, and dispersal tactics to control crowds. In Paris, marchers carried banners representing various causes, including high school students, climate activists, and those protesting the cost of living.

Young protesters, including Corentin Cabreux and Janelle Schulz, shared their grievances about deteriorating living conditions, inadequate education, and the need for government investment in social services and climate protection. Despite the challenges, the protests in France aimed to draw attention to the issues faced by youth and marginalized communities.