Protests in France for fifth weekend draw 106,000 participants; 219 arrested

France was again swept by demonstrations against the high cost of living on Saturday. The Interior Ministry said 106,000 people answered the yellow vests’ call for the “fifth act” of protests across the country.

According to the ministry, 24,000 of them protested in Paris. Trade unions gave a higher estimate: around 200,000 participants across France, including approximately 100,000 in the capital.

During the day, the situation was “generally under control,” although there were some incidents with no serious consequences. For the fifth consecutive Saturday, young people also took to the streets to demand better learning conditions and a better climate.

The demonstrations also included opposition to repression and a bill that would establish a presumption that law enforcement officers’ use of weapons was lawful. Several human rights groups joined the protest. They particularly oppose the bill, which they say amounts to a “licence to kill.” Approximately 70,000 police officers and gendarmes were mobilized for the day.

The Interior Ministry said at least 219 people were arrested nationwide, while ten police officers sustained minor injuries.

According to the ministry, the incidents “were caused, as expected, by high-risk groups made up of radical and far-left activists who tried to incite violence during the demonstrations.”