French Protesters Defy Paris Ban, Enter Fourth Week of Nationwide Demonstrations

Protesters across France continued demonstrations in Paris and nationwide on Saturday despite police prohibitions on gatherings in the capital, marking the fourth consecutive week of unrest.

The Paris Police Prefecture denied multiple formal permit requests for protests in various city areas, citing riots in October that resulted in thousands of arrests and violent clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement.

“These events demonstrated the intention of certain individuals to target the institutions of the Republic, specifically through actions directed against public buildings and State services in order to undermine the foundations of the Republic,” the police order stated, according to a translation by Fox News Digital.

“These elements characterize a particular and serious risk to public institutions, agent safety, and the normal functioning of public services during such demonstrations,” the statement continued.

Protesters face policemen during a demonstration for higher wages and in support of the high school protest movement in Paris, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)

Police also prohibited a rally by France’s Yellow Vest movement scheduled for Place de la Concorde, citing security concerns. Despite the ban, prominent Yellow Vest members attended and were arrested at the National Assembly near the square.

Benjamin Ball, a member of the Yellow Vests coordination group, and spokesperson Azelma Sigaux were both arrested early Saturday afternoon, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).

Protesters wave flags during a demonstration for higher wages and in support of the high school protest movement in Paris, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)

France’s Interior Ministry anticipated 170,000 participants nationwide on Saturday. The government deployed 70,000 security forces to contain the demonstrations, AFP reported.

“The risk is exactly the same as on previous Saturdays,” Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said, instructing authorities “not to lower their guard,” according to AFP.

Protesters run in tear gas during a demonstration for higher wages and in support of the high school protest movement in Paris, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)

Videos and photos showed French authorities deploying tear gas and detaining rioters while fires burned throughout Paris. Authorities also reported protesters throwing projectiles at police.

Demonstrators are protesting high costs of living, among other grievances, as student and teacher unions join Yellow Vests at the mass rallies.

Policemen help an injured colleague during a demonstration for higher wages and in support of the high school protest movement in Paris, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)

On Monday, French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is scheduled to meet with union leaders to discuss wages and purchasing power, AFP reported. Despite the planned talks, union leaders are calling for fresh strikes on Tuesday to maintain pressure on the government, claiming the unions are “in a position of strength and the government in a position of weakness and starting to yield.”

Policemen walk past a burning bin during a demonstration for higher wages and in support of the high school protest movement in Paris, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)

Since student and union protests began in mid-September, National Assembly Deputy Leader Marine Le Pen has surged in national polling and is now seen as likely to force a runoff in the presidential election after announcing her candidacy in October.

Source link