How the protests unfolded
• Huge demonstrations: More than 160 people were detained across France during protests up and down the country Saturday. Officers deployed tear gas in several cities during clashes with protesters, and a tourist office was set on fire. Tens of thousands of students, trade union activists and more took part in a march on Paris.
• Police defiant: The body overseeing the Paris Police Force defended the actions of its officers and said it will “not back down in the face of rioters.” Anger among those on the streets was fueled by tactics deployed by officers in recent weeks.
• Simmering anger: The government has struggled to contain the student protests, which started in support of striking teachers at a suburban high school, before snowballing into a national crisis and attracting global attention, including from President Donald Trump.
Updates
(32)We’ve wrapped up our live coverage. Read the latest here on the massive demonstrations in France.
Over half a million joined protests today, French interior minister says
Around 550,000 people attended the massive demonstrations across France today, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez told reporters, marking one of the largest days of protest in France in recent years.
Protesters, including 110,000 in Paris, turned out at 110 marches across the country, according to Nuñez.
Nearly 400 people were arrested at the protests on Saturday, Nuñez said, adding that there will be more arrests in the coming days. While most protesters remained peaceful, others clashed with police, lit a tourist office on fire and looted businesses.
"No room for violence in our Republic," Macron says
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence that took place during protests across the country today, writing that people who have attacked government buildings and businesses will be “prosecuted and punished.”
“No room for violence in our Republic,” he said in a social media post.
Macron also expressed support for law enforcement, which clashed with protesters on several occasions throughout the day, and the many demonstrators who remained peaceful.
“We will all stand united against the sowers of chaos, who seek only to bring down our institutions and prevent those who peacefully express their demands from doing so,” he said.
Paris mayor condemns violence, calls for calm in the city
Emmanuel Grégoire, the mayor of Paris, has condemned the violence taking place in Paris, calling for “calm and de-escalation.”
While the right to protest is a “fundamental freedom” in France, this “must be exercised with respect for everyone, and without violence or vandalism,” he continued.
Grégoire expressed his support for the people of Paris, those protesting peacefully, business owners affected by the violence, and those mobilized to ensure safety in the city.
At least 195 people detained in Paris, as night descends on the city
As evening descends on Paris, there are ominous signs for what lies ahead tonight.
Earlier today, groups of young people departed the officially sanctioned march route in several places, and onto the Champs-Elysees and marauding through side streets near Place de la Republique, where clashes with police have flared.
On the Champs-Elysées, groups of protesters set up barricades, defying police bans on protest actions there.
A total of 195 people—including 13 minors—have been detained in connection with the demonstrations, as reported by CNN affiliate BFMTV, citing the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office.
With nightfall not far away, it appears that police have little control over the direction of the protests this evening, even as the bulk of protesters peacefully finished their march.
Young people seen looting, starting fires in Paris
As demonstrators in Paris reached the final destination of their march today, large groups of young people were seen looting and starting fires where the protest began.
The young people set fire to electric hire bikes and looted at least one shop, a CNN producer on the ground witnessed. Police responded with tear gas and baton charges in the narrow streets.
At least one toy shop was broken into, with dozens of looters parading their stolen goods along the avenue, filming themselves opening boxes of toys.
"No one will impose their political agenda through violence," French PM says
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has taken to social media to condemn the violence at some of the protests across France today.
“Peaceful demonstrations have a rightful place in our Republic. Arson, looting, and attacks do not,” he wrote in a post on X, accusing “far-left groups” of orchestrating “violence in several French cities.”
This comes after the leader of France’s far-left party Jean-Luc Mélenchon said that demonstrations were taking place peacefully, other than in areas where police were restricting protests.
Lecornu highlighted a proposed bill, set to be read by the French Senate later this month, that would allow rioters to be held financially responsible for the damage they, or their fellow rioters, cause.
Protester loses hand in march near Lyon
A protester in the city of Saint-Étienne, about 40 miles southwest of Lyon, lost his hand during a march there today, a police source told CNN affiliate BFMTV. There were no further details of how the incident occurred.
This is the second reported instance of a demonstrator losing their hand in the student protests that have rocked France for the past several weeks.
A student in the northeastern city of Lens lost his hand after reportedly picking up a grenade earlier this month, prompting the temporary suspension of one type of stun grenade by police.
That ban, which still allowed police to use several different grenades, has now been rescinded.
CNN’s Joseph Ataman contributed to this report.
Protesters break into city halls in Marseille and Lille
Demonstrators have broken into city halls of Marseille and Lille, according to CNN affiliate BFMTV.
In Marseille City Hall, a bust of Marianne, the national symbol of France, was knocked to the ground and an anarchist symbol was spray-painted on a wall, according to BFMTV. Television sets were also smashed, it said.
The protesters fled the scene, and there were no injuries, BFMTV reported.
After the break in, France’s Interior Ministry announced that it would be sending two additional riot police units to Marseille, according to the outlet.
BFMTV journalists also reported to have witnessed demonstrators breaking into Lille’s city hall.
"Rioters" have "poisoned" demonstrations by looting and attacking police, Le Pen says
The leader of France’s far-right National Rally party, Marine Le Pen, said “rioters” have “poisoned” today’s escalating demonstrations.
Writing on X, she said “legitimate social grievances have, yet again, been held hostage by the far left.”
Far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon, whose La France Insoumise party has supported the student movement, earlier said most demonstrations were progressing peacefully.
Some context: Though the recent protests in France were started by students, people from different walks of life and across the political spectrum were expected to attend today’s demonstrations.
"Everything is unfolding peacefully," far-left leader Mélenchon says
As tens of thousands of people are taking to the streets of France, some reports of violence are emerging, with buildings set on fire and police deploying tear gas against protesters.
Far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon, whose La France Insoumise party has backed the student movement, said most demonstrations were taking place peacefully.
Authorities have acknowledged that “the vast majority of individuals are demonstrating peacefully,” CNN affiliate BFMTV reported.
In Paris, the crowd was “moving calmly,” Mélenchon said, describing it as “young, energetic, and filled with handmade signs.”
Any violence or disorder in Paris has been “orchestrated by the prefect, who blocks access to the Place de la République by relentlessly deploying tear gas,” the party leader said.
“Confrontation seems to be the goal of this ‘public order’ strategy. Pathetic.” Mélenchon added.
Police use tear gas during protests in Strasbourg
Police were also seen using tear gas on protesters in Strasbourg, France, amid today’s nationwide demonstrations.
The demonstrators can be seen chanting and holding placards in the video above, from the Reuters news agency.
Activists in Paris tell CNN France is "not going in the right direction"
Activists have joined students in demonstrations across France, as we’ve been reporting. Protesters in Paris are telling us why they’ve chosen to take part.
Maria Pallas, 57, who is a member of Confédération générale du travail, one of France’s largest trade unions, said she was protesting “for the cost of living,” and to highlight the conditions faced by the country’s students.
Meanwhile, 15-year-old Vera attended protests in the capital with her family, saying she hopes “things will change.”
Another protestor, who gave her name as Pauline, said: “There’s an accumulation of wealth and power that’s completely out of control.
“We’re also here to support the youth. There are victories, but if we look at the bigger picture, it’s not going in the right direction,” the 36-year-old added.
Louise, 38, said she believed society had changed during French President Emmanuel Macron’s time in charge.
“There’s less democracy now,” she said. “There’s a concentration of power, there are billionaires who control the media. So we are fighting to change things politically and socially.”
Anti-government protests in other countries see cars overturned and bins set alight
As cities across France witness scores of protesters take to the streets today, anti-government demonstrations are also taking place in Europe and elsewhere.
In Brussels, Belgium, students demonstrated against the current state of the country’s education system.
Some protesters held signs referencing the 1992 Studio Ghibli film Porco Rosso, with versions of the phrase “better a pig than a fascist.” Another demonstrator held a sign that said “sorry for the inconvenience, we’re trying to save our future.”
Some police officers were photographed scuffling with protesters, with one captured swinging a baton. Some demonstrators also overturned a car.
In Tirana, Albania, garbage bins were set alight in student protests, with many demonstrators covering their faces with masks and balaclavas. One person was photographed throwing a Molotov cocktail at riot police, who also deployed water cannons.
Other protesters were seen waving Albanian flags. Marjana Koceku, a 25-year-old member of the Albanian parliament, took to the streets alongside demonstrators, according to Reuters.
In a video posted to social media in English, Koceku addressed Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, describing “injustice, corruption and (a) lack of democracy” in the country.
Students had been taking to the streets of Albania for “months of peaceful protests” before the current scenes broke out, Koceku said, condemning alleged police violence against student demonstrators.
In Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, thousands of people turned up to demonstrate against President Kais Saied, accusing him of mishandling the economy and undermining democracy, according to Reuters.
At the protests, led by Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT), one person held a poster reading “we are skipping our lessons to teach you one.”
Many people waved Tunisian flags, while others held flags with the logo of the UGTT. Some demonstrators held banners calling for press freedom.
Lyon tourist office set on fire amid intensifying protests
The tourist office in Lyon was set on fire, according to CNN’s French affiliate BFMTV, amid escalating, nationwide protests over inadequate school conditions and soaring living costs.
People wearing hoods attacked the building in the French city, smashing windows and igniting a fire before looting the property, BFMTV reported.
Emergency services are expected at the scene shortly.
Jubilation as march begins in Paris
Tens of thousands of students, trade union activists and more flooded side streets around Place de La République in Paris, as the march began.
The mood in the French capital was jubilant, with real determination to see change enacted.
The echo of explosions followed demonstrators up the boulevard from République, as police deployed water cannon to try and move on hundreds of young people.
What we know about the protests taking place in France today
Tens of thousands of people are expected to take to the streets across France today as part of student protests that have been ongoing for nearly a month.
Here’s what we know about today’s demonstrations so far:
What’s happened so far today?
Protests began in cities across France this morning local time, in places including Rennes, Lyon, Marseille and Paris.
In the French capital, hundreds of people gathered at Place de la République, where today’s main march is expected to begin. Things escalated quickly, with police deploying tear gas in the square and charging into the crowd. A small group of protesters aimed fireworks at police lines.
Police in Lyon also launched tear gas grenades to disperse around 300 people who had mobilized outside the city’s Jean Moulin University, according to CNN’s French affiliate BFMTV.
What’s still expected to occur?
Today’s march in Paris was scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. local time (8:30 a.m. ET), according to CNN affiliate BFMTV.
France’s Interior Ministry will also be holding a crisis unit meeting at 6 p.m. this evening (12 p.m. ET), BFMTV reported, citing sources.
The chiefs of staff for the Prime Minister, the Interior Minister, and the Minister of Justice will be in attendance, it reported.
Who’s taking part in the protests?
Though the recent protests in France were started by students, people from different walks of life and across the political spectrum are expected to attend today’s demonstrations.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s far-left La France Insoumise has backed the student movement and is expected to show up at demonstrations in support of the protesters and their demands.
Some farmers have discussed staging tractor protests, while taxi drivers have already begun staging rolling roadblocks and blockades around Paris airports and say they intend to continue through Saturday.
The gilets jaunes, or Yellow Vests, have also been present at demonstrations today.
How has the government responded?
Speaking last night about today’s planned protests, French President Emmanuel Macron asked for “calm.”
The Paris Police Prefecture, the body that oversees the Paris Police Force, emergency services and various other administrative departments, has defended the actions of its officers and criticized “hostile” demonstrators.
CNN’s Joseph Ataman, Elina Baudier Kim and Charlotte Reck contributed to this reporting.
Paris police say they will "not back down" in face of protests
The Paris Police Prefecture, the body that oversees the Paris Police Force, emergency services and various other administrative departments, has defended the actions of its officers and criticized “hostile” demonstrators.
“We do not back down in the face of rioters and those who’ve come to attack law enforcement,” the supervising unit said in a post on X.
“At #République, police officers are being confronted by hostile individuals intent on violence.
“They are standing their ground with courage and professionalism,” it added.
In a follow-up post, it shared footage of hooded, masked protesters appearing to launch projectiles, wield weapons and smash bricks on pavements.
“The procession will set off at 2pm. Hostile individuals are present at Place de la #République,” the caption accompanying the video said, adding: “Have they come to protest?”
Tensions rise between activists and riot police ahead of march
More than a half hour before the march was due to start, riot police charged onto the square multiple times under volleys of tear gas.
A student or orchestra was playing as the tear gas was fired, before they were escorted off the square by a human chain to protect them.
The crowd is a real mix of old and young, with placards calling for better returns for taxes and French President Emmanuel Macron’s resignation.
A closer look at the groups mobilizing in support of student protests today
Today’s demonstrations in France are expected to be the biggest yet, with tens of thousands of activists from multiple movements joining an estimated 60 marches, and around 250 planned actions including roadblocks and building blockades, across the country.
Here’s a rundown of who is expected to participate.
Yellow Vests: The gilets jaunes, or Yellow Vests, are part of a grassroots citizens’ movement established in 2018, when more than 250,000 people protested a hike in fuel tax. Named after the yellow high-visibility jackets French motorists must carry in their vehicles, the Yellow Vests are comprised of people from across the political spectrum and have contributed support to a range of protests since they emerged almost a decade ago.
Students: High school students demanding more teachers, reduced class sizes and better building conditions will make up a significant portion of those on the streets. They have been protesting since late September.
Far-left groups: Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s La France Insoumise has backed the student movement and is expected to show up at demonstrations in support of the protesters and their demands. The party also described the protests as a potential starting point for a much broader movement, and is demanding a cap on fuel prices.
Farmers: Some farmers have discussed staging tractor protests.
Taxi drivers: Drivers have already begun staging rolling roadblocks and blockades around Paris airports and say they intend to continue through Saturday.
CNN’s Saskya Vandoorne and Catherine Nicholls contributed reporting.
