French unions and student groups are set to take to the streets for another day of protests this Saturday, following weeks of youth-led unrest and nationwide strikes. Across France, 193 rallies brought together between 575,000 and 1.6 million demonstrators, according to official and union figures. These protests include unions, high school and university students, farmers, and Yellow Vest protestors demanding better pay and defending the right to protest amidst a rising cost of living.
On Thursday, thousands of government workers, teachers, and transport employees walked off the job to express frustration with low wages and high living costs. This surge in activity follows a general strike and huge demonstrations that have seen various sectors of the workforce join the movement.
Two major protests have been announced for Saturday. Student groups and trade unions have called for an authorized march in central Paris to protest the high cost of living and deteriorating school conditions. Simultaneously, the Yellow Vests plan a separate rally near the Assemblée Nationale, despite a ban by authorities.
While recent turnout has been lower than in previous weeks, several cities have experienced clashes between police and demonstrators. Tear gas was fired in Paris and Lyon, and the interior minister warned that authorities are ready and waiting for any rioters or looters.