Tens of thousands continue to protest across France

Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators gathered in France on Saturday to voice their discontent with the escalating cost of living and deteriorating public services, according to the Interior Ministry. Saturday's protests saw a lower participation rate compared to recent weeks, with approximately 106,000 people marching in various cities, including 24,000 in the capital, Paris.

The previous weekend's nationwide protests had drawn around 146,000 participants. The number of arrests during the demonstrations was comparatively lower, with the police detaining 219 individuals across the country, as reported by the Interior Ministry.

Despite the general peaceful nature of the protests, authorities in Paris, Bordeaux, and the western city of Nantes resorted to deploying tear gas, particularly after some protesters were observed using fireworks. Mass protests have been ongoing across the European Union's second-largest economy for over a month, with the initial wave of demonstrations beginning in September as a response to teacher shortages and subpar facilities.

The movement has since expanded, driven by widespread frustration over rising living costs, strained public services, and allegations of police misconduct.

In mid-October, an estimated 565,000 people took to the streets in France, as riots, looting, and clashes marred demonstrations in several urban centers. As the unrest entered its fifth consecutive weekend, President Emmanuel Macron's approval ratings plummeted to their lowest point since he assumed office in 2017, according to recent polls. The French government faces significant constraints in addressing the protesters' demands due to the nation's substantial debt levels.