France protests intensified Saturday as a student-led action in the Paris suburbs grew into what participants called a second act of nationwide mobilization, with thousands marching through rain-soaked streets and chanting in Italian, “We are all anti-fascists.” Demonstrators cited pressure from high living costs, social inequities and a housing squeeze.
On the Pont National, an assistant nurse who identified himself as Yanis G. watched the march in white hospital scrubs marked “Angry healthcare workers” in red. He said he earns about $2,200 a month, spends roughly half on rent and struggles to afford food. He described the strain on his family and said the unrest overshadows the movement’s message.
Authorities have been under pressure to prevent a repeat of Oct. 17, when looting and arson broke out on the fringes of protests. The assistant nurse said such violence diverts attention from the hardships many face and urged coverage to focus on daily struggles.
France protests draw healthcare students and workers
Clara Afonso, a Paris nursing student in white scrubs, said classrooms lack climate resilience. She described taking summer finals in 100-degree heat without air conditioning and said there is no heat in winter. She also criticized hospital internships, saying students are poorly paid while bearing the same legal responsibilities as qualified staff, which exposes them to serious consequences for mistakes.
As crowds moved across the city, organizers and participants condemned late changes to the demonstration route that they said hampered turnout and planning. France protects the right to demonstrate, and gatherings must be declared in advance so police can secure routes, adjust transit and protect participants.
Route switch triggers political and union anger in France protests
On Thursday, the Paris police prefecture agreed with the region’s inter-union coalition on an afternoon march from Place de la Bastille to Nation. Businesses along the route boarded up and announced closures. Around 4 p.m. Friday, the prefecture altered the plan to a roughly three-mile corridor from Porte d’Italie to Porte de Vincennes on the city’s edge. A spokesperson, Hélène Denéchère, cited security concerns tied to a recent attack in Trappes that left one dead and five injured.
Union leaders rejected that rationale, saying the last-minute switch undermined safety and the freedom to assemble. In a statement, the Île-de-France inter-union accused authorities of creating disorder and warned against what it called a dangerous precedent.
During the procession, one participant, Séverine Vincent, called the move a betrayal. Afonso said the decision would likely fuel more frustration and criticized the government’s handling of the situation.
France protests spur criticism from the hard left
France Unbowed leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon denounced the route change as a power play meant to discourage participation, and he raised concerns about shopkeepers given less than a day to prepare. He wrote on X that authorities were multiplying disruptive tactics nationwide and questioned calls for businesses to bolster their own protections while the army was assigned to safeguard official buildings.
Trade unions have called for a general strike on Nov. 5, signaling that the mobilization is set to continue.