What Are the Protests in France About
Why it is trending in America today
Over 1,300 arrested as France protests turn violent again

Protests are spreading across France over the cost of living and conditions in schools, with clashes on Saturday that followed a week of rioting. Police said more than 1,300 people were arrested nationwide.
The background
PARIS, Oct. 25 — Hundreds of thousands of people joined protests across France on Saturday over the high cost of living and conditions in the country's schools. The interior ministry estimated about 410,000 people took part, while union organizers put the number at about 800,000. Most marches were peaceful, but police clashed with groups of protesters in Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux and Lyon, using tear gas and water cannon.
The violence came a week after riots that caused some of the worst disorder in France's modern history, with hundreds of businesses looted and buildings torched. President Emmanuel Macron had earlier this week ruled that only demonstrations organized by recognized trade unions would be allowed. Officials said 53 officers were hurt on Saturday, and on Sunday the interior minister said 1,314 arrests had been made nationwide.
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Key facts
- Hundreds of thousands joined protests across France on Saturday, over the cost of living and school conditions.
- The interior ministry estimated 410,000 protesters; unions put the figure at about 800,000.
- Police used tear gas and water cannon in several cities, including Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux and Lyon.
- The interior minister said 1,314 people were arrested nationwide, and 53 officers were hurt.
- Last week's riots caused some of the worst disorder in France's modern history.
What we don't know yet
It is not clear how the number of protesters differs so widely between police and union estimates.
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Trend data
What Are the Protests in France About started trending in the US on Oct 25, 10:00 AM EDT, reaching about 1K+ Google searches. 3 news outlets covered it in our feed, including BBC, The New York Times, CBS News. The earliest report we found came from BBC at Oct 25, 10:00 AM EDT.
Sources: what the outlets reported
- BBCMore than 1,300 arrested as clashes follow another day of mass protests across France
- The New York TimesA Day After Renewed Street Clashes in France, Relief and Anxiety Mix
- CBS NewsMore than 1,000 arrested in France as protesters and police clash in several cities
How the story unfolded
- — BBC: More than 1,300 arrested as clashes follow another day of mass protests across France
- — The New York Times: A Day After Renewed Street Clashes in France, Relief and Anxiety Mix
- — CBS News: More than 1,000 arrested in France as protesters and police clash in several cities