Clashes erupt in Paris as thousands join fresh protests across France

Across France, thousands of demonstrators took to the streets on Saturday, protesting against the government amid rising costs of living. The demonstrations marked the fourth consecutive weekend of unrest, coinciding with the country's approach to presidential elections in five months. Paris saw 46,000 protesters, while unions claimed 250,000 nationwide – both figures lower than the previous three weekends.

The protests saw clashes between police and some individuals in Paris. Police deployed tear gas when 200 violent individuals attacked officers while arresting a man who set fire to a trash bin. Security forces numbered 70,000 on Saturday, ready to act quickly following the worst riots in years during mass protests on October 17.

These protests were sparked by high school and university students in late September, who remain at the forefront. The government's response has been criticized for being heavy-handed, with dozens of internal investigations launched into allegations of brutality against demonstrators. Shops in Paris and other cities barricaded windows to prevent potential ransacking, with some remaining closed for the day.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is set to meet unions and employer representatives on Monday to discuss wages and purchasing power. Meanwhile, student and teacher groups have called for a new strike on Tuesday, asserting they are in a position of strength while the government appears weak and yielding. Polls suggest far-right candidate Marine Le Pen is favored to win the presidency in 2027, with her opponent being hard-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon.