Protests continued in Paris and other parts of France despite police bans on several gatherings in the capital.
The Paris Police Prefecture rejected multiple applications to hold demonstrations across the city, pointing to riots in October that resulted in thousands of arrests and violent confrontations between protesters and police.
“These events demonstrated the intention of certain individuals to target the institutions of the Republic, specifically through actions directed against public buildings and State services in order to undermine the foundations of the Republic,” police said in an order translated by News Media.
The order added that the circumstances posed “a particular and serious risk” to public institutions, the safety of government employees and the normal operation of public services during the demonstrations.
Demonstrators confront police during a Paris rally calling for higher wages and backing the high school protest movement on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)
Authorities also blocked a Yellow Vest rally planned for Place de la Concorde, citing public safety concerns.
Several well-known Yellow Vest activists nevertheless went to the National Assembly area near Place de la Concorde, where they were arrested.
Benjamin Ball, part of the Yellow Vests coordination group, and spokesperson Azelma Sigaux were taken into custody early Saturday afternoon, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).
People wave flags during a Paris demonstration demanding higher wages and supporting the high school protest movement on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)
France’s Interior Ministry estimated that 170,000 people would take part in demonstrations nationwide Saturday, marking the fourth consecutive week of protests.
AFP reported that approximately 70,000 security officers were deployed across the country to manage the unrest.
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“The risk is exactly the same as on previous Saturdays,” Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said, urging officials “not to lower their guard,” according to AFP.
Demonstrators flee through tear gas during a Paris rally for higher wages and in support of the high school protest movement on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)
Images and video showed police firing tear gas and arresting people as fires burned in several parts of Paris.
French authorities also said demonstrators had thrown objects at police officers.
The rallies are driven in part by anger over the rising cost of living, with student and teacher unions joining the Yellow Vests in the nationwide demonstrations.
Police officers assist an injured colleague during a Paris demonstration calling for higher wages and supporting the high school protest movement on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is scheduled to meet union leaders Monday to discuss wages and purchasing power, AFP reported.
Even with those talks planned, union leaders have called for another round of strikes Tuesday. They say the labor movement is “in a position of strength (and) the government in a position of weakness and starting to yield.”
Police pass a burning trash bin during a Paris demonstration for higher wages and in support of the high school protest movement on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)
Marine Le Pen, deputy leader of the National Assembly, has climbed in national polling since student and union demonstrations began in mid-September. After announcing her presidential bid in October, she is now widely viewed as a strong contender to reach a runoff.
News Media reached out to France’s Interior Ministry and the Paris Police Prefecture for additional comment.
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