Demonstrators continued taking to the streets in Paris and cities across France despite police orders barring several gatherings in the capital.
The Paris Police Prefecture rejected multiple permit applications for protests in different parts of the city, pointing to October unrest that resulted in thousands of arrests and violent confrontations between demonstrators and police.
“These events revealed the determination of certain individuals to attack the institutions of the Republic, particularly through acts targeting public buildings and state services, with the aim of weakening the foundations of the Republic,” police said in an order, according to a News Outlet translation.
“These factors represent a specific and serious threat to public institutions, the safety of officers and the normal operation of public services during such demonstrations,” the order added.
Demonstrators confront police during a Paris rally calling for higher wages and backing the high school protest movement, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)
Authorities also banned a Yellow Vest rally planned for Place de la Concorde, citing concerns about public safety.
Several leading figures from the movement nevertheless appeared near the National Assembly, in front of Place de la Concorde, where they were arrested.
Benjamin Ball, who belongs to the Yellow Vests coordination group, and spokesperson Azelma Sigaux were taken into custody early Saturday afternoon, Agence France-Presse reported.
Flags are raised during a Paris demonstration demanding higher wages and supporting the high school protest movement, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)
France’s Interior Ministry estimated that about 170,000 people would join protests nationwide Saturday, marking the fourth consecutive week of demonstrations.
Some 70,000 security personnel were deployed across the country to manage the unrest, AFP reported.
“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 move through tear gas during a Paris protest calling for higher wages and supporting the high school movement, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)
Videos and photographs from the scene showed police firing tear gas and taking people into custody as fires burned in parts of Paris.
French officials also said protesters had thrown objects at police.
The demonstrations are driven in part by anger over the rising cost of living. Student and teacher unions have joined the Yellow Vests in the nationwide mobilization.
Police officers assist an injured colleague during a Paris demonstration over wages and in support of the high school protest movement, 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 are urging workers to hold new strikes Tuesday as they seek to maintain pressure on the government. They said the unions are “in a position of strength (and) the government in a position of weakness and starting to yield.”
Police officers pass a burning trash bin during a Paris protest over wages and in support of the high school protest movement, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)
Marine Le Pen, the National Assembly’s deputy leader, has gained sharply in national polls since student and union protests began in mid-September. After announcing her presidential candidacy in October, she is now viewed as likely to reach a runoff in the election.
News Outlet sought additional comment from France’s Interior Ministry and the Paris Police Prefecture.
