French authorities reported 291 demonstrations nationwide over the weekend, with an estimated 320,000 participants. (Foto: Instagram)
French authorities arrested 779 people during protests and Halloween-related events over the weekend, according to figures released by the Interior Ministry. The ministry reported 291 public demonstrations nationwide, drawing an estimated 320,000 people, including 70,000 in Paris.
The number of demonstrations was close to the previous week’s 289, but estimated attendance fell from 410,000. Compared with figures from Oct. 17, when 441 public events drew 550,000 people, attendance was down 42% over two weeks.
The ministry said there were no major incidents, though clashes between groups of demonstrators and security forces left 159 officers injured, according to an official statement.
Authorities also counted 515 fires, 36 businesses damaged and three looted. In the previous week’s tally, 69 businesses were reported damaged and 24 looted.
The ministry said robust, rapid security measures allowed declared demonstrations to take place while protecting freedom of expression. It said the response thwarted people seeking to incite violence against peaceful demonstrations, as well as those trying to create chaos in urban centers that night. The protests have brought together students, unions and activists calling for action on the rising cost of living, social inequality and worsening conditions in education.
