French government estimates 320,000 joined third weekend of youth-led protests; clashes in Paris

The French government estimated that 320,000 people protested across France on Saturday, 31 October 2026. That is fewer than in earlier demonstrations. It was the third consecutive weekend of youth-led protests over living costs and education. Clashes broke out between police and protesters in Paris.

About 70,000 police and gendarmes were deployed nationwide. The Interior Ministry estimated that 70,000 people joined the main Paris march. After a last-minute court battle, police moved that march outside the city centre to reduce the risk of unrest near government buildings and tourist sites. It ran from Porte de Bagnolet, on the eastern edge of the city, to Porte de Charenton.

Curfew-type restrictions were also imposed. Police barred entry to Place de la Republique and Les Halles from 23:00 to 06:00 on Saturday and Sunday. Unaccompanied minors face a separate 21:00 curfew around the Champs-Elysees. On Wednesday, a Paris court suspended an earlier curfew on minors as a serious and illegal infringement of freedom of movement.

The movement began with high school students protesting school conditions. It later broadened to include anger over living costs. The 17 October protests involved rioting and looting.

According to NPR, protesters near Porte de Charenton threw glass bottles and fireworks at police, who responded with stun grenades and tear gas. Many peaceful marchers left. NPR reported about 300 arrests nationwide so far on Saturday, down from 800 at the same point a week earlier. The Hindu reported more than 1,300 arrests on the day 410,000 people protested. It dated that day 31 October, although its own figures place the 410,000 turnout on 24 October. Le Monde reported clashes after dark in several French cities. The reports do not include final arrest or injury figures for 31 October.

In Germany, the youth initiative Gen Z regelt called protests in about 30 cities. Organisers said tens of thousands took part, according to NPR. The reports do not include official figures. NPR, citing police, reported that stone-throwing in Frankfurt injured several officers, one severely. Police used water cannons in Cologne and Hamburg, according to NPR. The Hindu reported police alerts in Barcelona and Italy.

What is disputed

Turnout. Government estimates were 320,000 on 31 October, 410,000 on 24 October and more than 500,000 on 17 October. The Hindu also cites about 550,000 for 17 October. Organisers' estimates are described as much higher. The reports do not give those figures.

What each side says

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez warned of a "very high risk" of disorder, especially after dark on Halloween. President Emmanuel Macron said marches would stay out of city centres to protect shops. NPR quoted student Corentin Cabreux, 21, as saying of his state-run residence: "there are damp stains all along the bottom of my walls, whole sections peeling off, cockroaches everywhere, rats." NPR quoted Berlin student Janelle Schulz as saying: "At my school, the ceiling is collapsing because of water damage, nothing is being done about it, we have a shortage of teachers, the toilets are broken". According to The Hindu, Gen Z regelt urged protests "for education, health, climate protection and an affordable life" and against any return of military conscription; NPR reported that the group held rallies on those demands.

Analysis

Official turnout has fallen for two weeks running, but the reports do not establish why. Fewer participants, tighter route and curfew rules, or differences in counting could each play a role, and organisers dispute the figures. Courts have both upheld and suspended restrictions, so legal challenges may continue to shape how protests take place. Similar youth mobilisations in Germany, Spain and Italy suggest shared concerns, though their links are unclear. Much of the reporting reviewed by Vocemundi appears to trace back to a single wire origin, which limits independent confirmation of several details.

Produced by the Vocemundi newsroom with AI assistance.