Turnout drops as France faces fifth consecutive weekend of nationwide protests
France experienced its fifth straight Saturday of nationwide protests over living costs and police legislation, with turnout falling to around 106,000 participants according to officials.
Demonstrators gathered across France on Saturday for the fifth consecutive weekend of protests driven by rising living costs, education conditions, and a controversial bill granting expanded legal protections to police officers.
According to the French Interior Ministry, around 106,000 people participated nationwide, including 24,000 in Paris, marking a decline in overall turnout compared to previous weeks. Student unions offered a higher estimate, placing national turnout at approximately 200,000.
Authorities deployed about 70,000 police officers across the country to maintain order. Minor clashes and isolated incidents were reported in several cities, resulting in the arrest of 121 individuals, according to government figures.
Sources: Daily Sabah, France24, Sweden Herald, Cumhuriyet, The Journal
Sources
- Daily Sabah — France's protest movement widens as anger over police bill soars
- The Journal — France protests for fifth Saturday in a row, with over 100,000 taking to the streets nationwide
- Sweden Herald — Cost of living, schools and police brutality drive protests in Paris as turnout falls
- Cumhuriyet — Fransa'da protestoların beşinci turu: 121 kişi gözaltına alındı
- France24 — 'No justice, no peace': Fifth round of protests sweep across France