France Protests: Turnout Declines in Poitiers and La Rochelle as Demonstrators Vow to Press On

For the fourth consecutive week, protest rallies continued across several regions of France, particularly in the Poitou-Charentes area. Although the movement appeared to lose momentum with smaller processions compared to previous weeks, participants who took to the streets reaffirmed their determination to keep up the pressure and their refusal to back down.

These demonstrations come three weeks after the October 17 rallies that brought together between 550,000 and 800,000 people across France, just two days after a major mobilization and general strike called by the inter-union coordination, and two days ahead of an anticipated meeting bringing together trade unions, employers' organizations, and the Prime Minister.

La Rochelle: An Unrestricted March and Tribute to Trappes Attack Victim

In La Rochelle, around 2,000 people gathered outside the train station forecourt—the customary starting point—according to press estimates, while the prefecture estimated turnout at approximately 900. The gathering began with a direct democratic vote to decide on the route; participants opted to march rather than hold a static rally, choosing to head toward the city center and the Old Port despite an official ban.

While crossing the city's bypass under police escort, demonstrators observed a minute of silence in memory of "Bengue Boussio Wanghi," who was killed on October 23 in Trappes in a racist terrorist attack, followed by a rendition of the French national anthem, "La Marseillaise." Motives among participants varied, ranging from opposition to far-right agendas to demands for wage increases, a higher minimum wage (SMIC), and taxes on the ultra-wealthy. Later, security forces fired tear gas to prevent a group of protesters from entering the commercial zone in Puilboreau before the procession dispersed.

Poitiers: Dwindling Numbers and Tear Gas Clashes

In Poitiers, the protest procession set off on Saturday afternoon from the Porte de Paris toward the city center. Turnout was recorded at around 600 people—a figure significantly lower than the crowds estimated between 4,600 and more than 10,000 just two days earlier. Despite the decline, many demonstrators—including students, university professors, and workers—rejected the notion that the movement was receding, arguing that school holidays and the previous use of tear gas had temporarily dampened participation.

As the procession reached downtown Poitiers near the City Hall and the Prefecture around 4:00 PM, clashes erupted anew with security forces, who deployed tear gas canisters to disperse the protesters, particularly on Rue Magenta.

Living Cost Demands and Dim Expectations for Matignon Talks

Demonstrators in Poitiers carried signs and chanted slogans denouncing the soaring cost of living, rising fuel prices, the deteriorating job market, and disproportionate police responses, while also voicing concern over the future of youth and students. Regarding Monday's scheduled meeting at the Hôtel de Matignon between union representatives, employers, and the Prime Minister, most protesters expressed skepticism and little hope for concrete outcomes, emphasizing that staying in the streets remains the only way to make their voices heard and achieve change.