For the fifth consecutive Saturday, protesters took to the streets across France with a main rally in Paris and dozens of other gatherings nationwide. The Yellow Vest movement joined forces with high-school students, education unions, and various campaign groups to voice a wide range of frustrations.
Demonstrators chanted against the Macron government, citing declining affordability, rising costs of living, and poor school conditions. The coalition demanded better funding for education, stronger protection for children and teenagers, and the preservation of civil liberties. Many also opposed a new police law that would provide officers more protection in their use of weapons.
Turnout for this round of protests fell to its lowest level in recent weeks, with estimates ranging between 106,000 according to the interior ministry and 200,000 according to student unions. Union leaders warned that protest fatigue is beginning to set in.
While the rallies were largely peaceful, some fringe violence occurred alongside accusations of police brutality. Meanwhile, police officers have been seeking better compensation for the risks associated with policing these demonstrations.