French Riot Police Deploy Water Cannons and Tear Gas Against Nationwide Protesters

PARIS, Oct 24 (OPA) — Riot police engaged in running skirmishes with demonstrators across France on Saturday, marking another day of intense civil unrest. Authorities reported at least 135 arrests nationwide by early evening, with significant violence recorded in Grenoble, where approximately 400 Black Block activists clashed with security forces. In Nice, authorities confirmed 60 arrests following reports of arson involving vehicles and refuse containers.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stated that the government remains uncompromising toward those engaging in destruction, noting that elite units, including RAID intervention squads, were mobilized to maintain order. While police reported 110,000 protesters in Paris, opposition figures, including France Unbowed candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon, criticized the security strategy, labeling the heavy use of tear gas against demonstrators as a deliberate provocation.

The current wave of unrest began last month, initially sparked by grievances over teacher shortages and deteriorating conditions in schools. The movement has since expanded into broader anti-government rallies, fueled by rising living costs and general dissatisfaction with President Emmanuel Macron’s administration. Last weekend, the protests resulted in at least 2,500 arrests and the looting of approximately 2,000 businesses, prompting the government to announce stricter controls on unauthorized demonstrations.

Authorities remain under pressure to stabilize the situation following accusations of excessive force and concerns that security forces were overwhelmed during previous weeks. Ahead of Saturday's events, police in Paris conducted extensive security checks, seizing prohibited items including knives, gas masks, and power tools. The government has vowed to continue its firm stance against unauthorized gatherings as protests persist in cities across France and neighboring European nations.