French protests against inflation draw 146,000 in fourth weekend

Tens of thousands of protesters marched across France on Saturday in a fourth consecutive weekend of demonstrations against high inflation and poor education conditions, though turnout significantly decreased from previous weeks. The Interior Ministry estimated 146,000 protesters nationwide, including 46,000 in Paris, while unions claimed 250,000 nationally. Authorities deployed 70,000 police officers with armored vehicles and water cannons to prevent violence, conducting 15,000 checks and arresting 18 people before marches began. The protests began with high school students in late September and expanded to include workers and public servants. Police clashed sporadically with demonstrators in Paris and Lyon, and arrested several Yellow Vest leaders at an unauthorized gathering. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu plans to meet union leaders on November 10 to discuss wages and prices.