Thousands of French students and their supporters marched in cities across the country on Saturday, marking the third consecutive weekend of nationwide protests.

The demonstrations, which began in late September among high school students, have expanded to include university students, teachers, public sector workers and veterans of the Yellow Vest movement. Organizers described the day as "Act III" of the campaign against high living costs, overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages and dilapidated school facilities.

The Interior Ministry estimated that about 320,000 people took part in demonstrations nationwide, while youth unions and organizers put the figure near 500,000, with roughly 200,000 in Paris alone. Police in the capital reported around 70,000 participants there. More than 160 marches were scheduled across France, a reduction from the previous weekend.

Authorities deployed 70,000 police and gendarmes and closed dozens of Paris metro stations. A court had earlier overturned a police ban on the main Paris route from Bastille to Nation.

Previous demonstrations have caused significant damage and casualties. On October 17, the largest day of unrest saw between 550,000 and 800,000 participants, but many marches turned into riots. Rioters looted or damaged an estimated 3,000 shops and businesses, including luxury brands and small local stores, with losses running into hundreds of millions of dollars. Town halls in cities such as Marseille and Limoges were stormed or set on fire. Twenty-four high schools were burned or ransacked, causing around 40 million euros in damage and leaving tens of thousands of students without classes for weeks.

Injuries have mounted across the protests. As of mid-October, officials reported nearly 1,000 police officers injured, along with 248 students and 149 educational personnel. Serious cases included a 15-year-old maimed by a police grenade and multiple jaw fractures. One demonstrator died after cardiac arrest in Paris, and a police officer was struck and killed by a vehicle in Nantes. Thousands have been arrested since September, with over 6,000 in the early weeks alone, the vast majority minors. Fast-track trials have resulted in hundreds jailed.

The government had offered several measures in recent days, including caps on some class sizes, low-interest loans for school renovations, additional university places and plans to phase out the unpopular Parcoursup online admissions platform. Student leaders said the steps fell short of demands for broader investment and an end to perceived police violence during earlier clashes.

Protests have featured both peaceful marches and episodes of violence since September, with thousands of arrests reported, many involving minors. Officials expressed particular concern about potential unrest on Halloween, which coincides with the demonstrations.

The movement has drawn in trade unions and other groups ahead of a larger day of strikes and protests planned for November 5. Students have announced further blockades at schools and universities in the coming week.