400,000 protest across France, challenging Macron as Paris clashes erupt after peaceful march

Clashes follow Paris march

The Paris prosecutor’s office reported 64 arrests linked to Saturday’s demonstration, with 40 people placed in police custody. Six of those arrested were minors; suspected weapons offenses and participation in groups preparing violence or property damage accounted for most cases.

Turnout and demands spread

The movement grew from a protest last month over staffing shortages at one high school southeast of Paris. Students are seeking better schools, while workers are demanding higher wages and pensions.

Student groups want 250,000 additional higher-education places and an end to selection through Parcoursup. Their proposals also call for more teachers, school and university repairs, an extra 200 euros a month in student grants, and a freeze on public student housing rents.

Schools and living costs

Education Ministry figures show public middle and high schools lost 15.4 million teaching hours in the 2024-25 school year because absent teachers were not replaced. That represented 7.5% of scheduled teaching time.

Organizers from the yellow vest movement called for another day of rallies on Oct. 31. Trade unions also criticized bans on demonstrations in cities including Lyon, Nice and Montpellier, calling them violations of constitutionally protected freedom of expression.