Why French police are worried despite less violence, fewer arrests at protests

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez initially declared national protests on Saturday “went well”, with numbers well down on previous weeks. Hours later, though, Nunez was again condemning “very serious acts of violence” against law enforcement following clashes between police and demonstrators, particularly in Paris. While reports of violence and arrests were lower than in previous weeks, authorities in France are nonetheless bracing for more unrest in the coming days. Several groups have called for blockades at schools and universities, while others have announced strikes as anger at the government shows little sign of easing. Shorts How did protests unfold? Saturday’s protests drew hundreds of thousands to marches across several French cities. The nation’s Interior Ministry estimated more than 320,000 people demonstrated across the country, including around 70,000 in Paris. That is significantly less than in previous weeks, when as many as 550,000 took to the streets. Student groups behind the protests claimed far more were in attendance, saying half a million demonstrated nationwide and over 200,000 turned out in the capital. Unlike previous weeks, which saw widespread clashes and looting, protests were largely peaceful throughout Saturday. Nunez initially told a media briefing demonstrations “were able to run their course” without incident due to a strong police presence and robust security measures. Nonetheless, the Interior Minister acknowledged “groups of vandals and looters” had attacked authorities in some areas and police had made over 400 arrests relating to the protests by 6:50pm. Authorities later confirmed the number of arrests had risen to 565, with violence erupting in several areas once the marches had finished. Photos and video posted to social media showed protestors, some clad in balaclavas and attire typical among France’s anarchist Black Bloc, throwing projectiles, setting fire to vehicles and looting. Police fired tear gas in an effort to disperse crowds, with some demonstrators hurling Molotov cocktails in reply. Police fired tear gas in an effort to disperse crowds (Photo: Reuters/Pedro Nunes) Protests were largely peaceful throughout Saturday before violence erupted in the evening (Photo: Luc Auffret/Anadolu via Getty Images) Several officers were injured in the clashes, including one who suffered “severe burns” after their leg caught flame. In a statement on social media, Nunez praised police for “thwarting the actions of those who sought to disrupt the marches”. “I thank all the internal security and emergency services mobilized today, who had to endure very serious acts of violence that everyone must condemn,” he added. Could France see more violence? Despite lower turnout and fewer arrests at protests on Saturday, authorities in France remain on high alert. Nunez said police would continue their nationwide mobilisation “for as long as necessary”, while members of several left-wing opposition parties called for more demonstrations. Thomas Portes, a member of the far-left La France Insoumise, called for additional protests to put “maximum pressure” on President Emmanuel Macron. “Either he concedes, or he leaves,” Portes wrote in a social media post. French student unions are pushing for fresh blockages of high schools and universities on Tuesday, as well as for joint demonstrations with striking workers on Thursday. Further protests are also expected next weekend, with anger at Macron and his government remaining despite efforts to address demonstrators’ concerns. Vandals, looters and anarchists have continued to hijack protests despite authorities having imposed additional security measures, suggesting further violence is possible over the coming days.