French Protests Against Cost of Living Continue for Fourth Weekend

Tens of thousands of people in France protested on Saturday, November 7, against the rising cost of living and government policies for the fourth consecutive weekend. The Interior Ministry reported 146,000 participants nationwide, while unions estimated 250,000. In Paris, a union-approved march from Place de la République to Place de la Nation ended with clashes between some demonstrators and police, who used tear gas against projectiles and fireworks. About 70,000 police and gendarmes were mobilized nationwide to prevent a repeat of the October 17 riots, and police disrupted a banned "yellow vests" action near the Élysée Palace. The protests precede a "social conference" on Monday, November 9, between Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, unions, and employers to discuss wages and purchasing power amid high inflation. Education unions and student groups have called for a new national strike on November 10 demanding increased funding, aiming to maintain pressure on authorities despite slightly lower turnout.