146,000 to 250,000 protesters march across France on November 7
Between 146,000 and 250,000 protesters marched across France on November 7, 2026, marking the fourth weekend of social mobilization against the cost of living and in support of youth demands, according to conflicting counts from authorities and labor unions.
Diverging Attendance Figures Define the Fourth Saturday
The Ministry of the Interior recorded a definitive total of 146,000 demonstrators nationwide, including 46,000 in Paris. Conversely, the youth intersyndicale—representing student and high school organizations—put the national turnout significantly higher at 250,000 participants, with 75,000 marching in the capital. Both figures reflect a substantial decline compared to the major national day of action held just two days prior on Thursday, when authorities counted 575,000 participants and unions claimed 1.6 million.
The Saturday turnouts also fell short of the previous week’s totals, which had drawn approximately 500,000 people across the country. Despite the lower numbers, demonstrators sought to maintain pressure on the executive branch ahead of crucial meetings scheduled for Monday, November 9, at Matignon.
Security Deployments and Incidents Across Major Cities
Some 70,000 police officers and gendarmes were mobilized for the day of action at the request of Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, supported by 25 Centaure armored vehicles and 15 water cannons. By 19:00 local time, national provisional figures showed 360 arrests and nearly 40,000 preventive controls conducted on transportation routes and railway stations serving city centers.
While the majority of marches proceeded in a calm and occasionally festive atmosphere—such as in Marseille where participants incorporated music and clowns—tensions flared in specific locations. Security forces in Lyon deployed tear gas to disperse hundreds of individuals occupying the public highway in a downtown perimeter where gatherings were strictly prohibited. In Paris, a small contingent of “gilets jaunes” gathered at the Place de la Concorde despite a prefectural ban; CRS riot police quickly checked several dozen attendees and issued 135-euro fines, including to coordination figures Benjamin Ball and Azelma Sigaux.
Unions Plan Fresh Strikes and Demonstrations Ahead of Talks
The social movement prepares for another wave of disruptions as an intersyndicale comprising high school, university, and teacher organizations called for a fresh strike and day of demonstrations on Tuesday. The mobilization aims to sustain momentum ahead of the social conference scheduled for Monday, November 9, at Matignon with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu.