By Islam El-Sakka
Riot police clashed with protesters in Lyon and other French cities Thursday as a nationwide public sector strike and student demonstrations over rising living costs and deteriorating public services turned violent, prompting the closure of the Eiffel Tower and the deployment of 70,000 officers.
Clashes and Disruptions
In Lyon, officers charged crowds after fires were set in streets, deploying water cannons and tear gas against protesters wearing gas masks. The Interior Ministry reported violent acts linked to the high school student movement, including fireworks fired at a school near Toulouse that burned a student services office, and metal pétanque balls thrown at officers in Rennes. Projectiles were also hurled at police in Pau and Orleans.
Union Grievances and Political Context
Around 250 rallies were planned nationwide, with unions including the CGT, CNT, and student union UNEF warning President Emmanuel Macron's government that France neared recession. "Everything is going up except wages and pensions. Anger is immense," they stated. Protesters also criticized the far-right National Rally party, climate change, and artificial intelligence, while Palestinian flags appeared in crowds.
Origins and Expansion of Movement
The unrest originated from a student blockade at Antoine de Saint-Exupéry High School in Créteil over staff shortages. Videos spread on social media, expanding protests to high schools nationwide. Grievances broadened from education funding to wider economic and social dissatisfaction, drawing university students, teachers, parents, and politicians.
Security Response and Previous Incidents
Macron convened a defense and security meeting Wednesday ahead of the protests. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced 70,000 police backed by armored vehicles, drones, and helicopters. Police tactics have faced criticism after a 15-year-old was maimed by a sting-ball grenade last month, a 14-year-old suffered a jaw fracture, and a 59-year-old man, identified as Christophe M, died October 17 after tear gas exposure at Place de la République. An investigation into his death continues.
