Unions vow to keep pressure on French government after fourth wave of protests

Paris erupted in clashes on Saturday as thousands protested against the rising cost of living, despite a smaller turnout than previous weeks. The demonstrations were the fourth consecutive weekend of unrest, with the far right capitalizing on the situation ahead of upcoming presidential elections in five months. Approximately 146,000 people participated in Paris, while unions estimated around 250,000 nationwide, including 75,000 in the capital.

Clashes erupted in Paris when police used tear gas against individuals throwing projectiles and homemade fireworks at security forces. Police stated that a group of 200 violent individuals attacked officers while arresting a man who had set fire to a trash bin in the square. Some 70,000 security personnel were deployed, recalling the worst riots in France in years following the mass protest on October 17.

The Yellow Vests movement, a group previously responsible for protests that pressured Emmanuel Macron during his early presidency, organized a rival demonstration in central Paris at Place de la Concorde. However, authorities banned the protest, and a large police presence prevented protesters from approaching. Benjamin Ball, a coordinator of the Yellow Vests movement, and Azelma Sigaux, its spokeswoman, were arrested by police.

The protests originated from high school and university students' dissatisfaction with their establishments' conditions, stemming from a movement in late September. Student Union spokeswoman Sabine Kharbach emphasized that young people continue to be at the forefront of the protests due to the government's unsatisfactory responses. Critics argue that police response has been heavy-handed, leading to dozens of internal investigations into allegations of brutality against demonstrators.

Shop owners in Paris and other cities braced for potential unrest, with many barricading store windows during protest weekends to prevent ransacking. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is set to meet with unions and employer federation representatives on Monday to discuss wages and purchasing power. However, student and teacher groups call for a new strike on Tuesday, aiming to pressure the government for increased education spending.

Polls suggest that far-right candidate Marine Le Pen is favored to win the 2027 Elysee election, with Jean-Luc Melenchon, the hard-left leader, addressing 20,000 supporters outside Paris and declaring, "we are going to win" and "everything must change."