Protesters clash with police during fifth week of social movement demonstrations in France

Demonstrators engaged in clashes with police forces across France on November 15, 2026, marking the fifth week of ongoing social movement protests. The Ministry of the Interior reported that approximately 106,000 people participated in demonstrations nationwide, including 24,000 protesters in Paris.

The scale of the demonstrations remains a subject of varying estimates between official and union sources. While the Ministry of the Interior recorded 106,000 participants, a youth trade union coalition estimated the total number of demonstrators reached 200,000. This coalition reported that 100,000 people participated in the protests in Paris.

The turnout for this week was lower than the previous week's demonstrations. During the previous week, 146,000 people protested across the country, with 46,000 individuals participating in the Paris demonstrations. Data from the youth trade union coalition indicates that the previous Saturday saw 250,000 total protesters nationwide, including 75,000 in Paris.

Police arrests and regional incidents

Law enforcement officials reported multiple arrests related to the demonstrations. The Ministry of the Interior reported 121 arrests across France as of 18:00 Greek time. In Paris, the Paris Prosecutor's Office reported 22 arrests involving men and teenagers. This group of detainees included three minors, and officials stated the arrests were primarily for carrying Category D weapons.

While much of the march in Paris reached the Place de la Nation without significant incidents, localized violence occurred. A small group of hostile individuals threw objects at police forces on Rue de Charonne, which prompted the use of tear gas by authorities. Other cities also reported incidents of unrest, including the burning of trash cans and the throwing of objects at police in Marseille, Grenoble, and Lyon.

Demonstrations in Lyon and Marseille

In Lyon, authorities reported that 8,000 people participated in the local demonstration. The protests in Lyon focused on climate action and rights for children and youth. During the event in Lyon, a BFMTV news team was attacked by protesters, which required intervention from the police.

The broader social movement is driven by concerns regarding the high cost of living and the need for better education. These protests represent the fifth consecutive week of large-scale demonstrations across the country.