Paris police deployed a water cannon and tear gas against roughly 500 demonstrators at the porte de Vincennes on October 24, as weekend protests over purchasing power and public services drew 110,000 people to the capital. The clashes followed a largely peaceful march that started at 2:00 p.m. from the porte d’Italie, according to figures released by the Paris police prefecture.
Clashes and Arrests at the Porte de Vincennes
Authorities reported that officers faced projectile-throwing individuals during the dispersion of the Paris cortège. The prefecture confirmed that the confrontation at the porte de Vincennes marked the sole point of tension in the capital. Police conducted more than 3,000 checks and detained 65 people throughout the day. Turnout matched the exact figure recorded during demonstrations in Paris the previous Saturday.
Severe Hand Injury Reported During Toulouse Demonstrations
In Toulouse, a 20-year-old protester suffered a severe hand injury during evening clashes with police in the Arènes neighborhood. Firefighters evacuated the wounded demonstrator, and the Haute-Garonne prefecture confirmed that emergency services treated the person for a grave hand trauma. An anonymous street medic who treated the patient reported an amputation of multiple fingers caused by an exploding device nearby. The prefecture stated that judicial authorities will launch an investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the injury.
Toulouse March Sees Disputed Turnout and Heavy Security
Crowd estimates for the Toulouse march varied significantly between officials and organizers. The prefecture counted 26,500 participants, while the CGT trade union claimed an attendance of 80,000. Security forces enforced strict measures across the city, utilizing Centaure armored vehicles, RAID units, and Sentinelle military personnel. Downtown commercial areas, which suffered vandalism the prior weekend, were bypassed as the march moved through the city’s west side. Police also maintained rigorous entry checks at Matabiau station and the barricaded place du Capitole, while a midnight-to-5:00 a.m. curfew remained active across the hypercenter.
Frequently Asked Questions About the October 24 Protests
What caused the clashes at the end of the Paris march?
Police reported that groups threw projectiles at security forces near the porte de Vincennes during the dispersion of the crowd, prompting officers to deploy tear gas and a water cannon.
How many people participated in the demonstrations?
The Paris police prefecture recorded 110,000 demonstrators in the capital. In Toulouse, local authorities estimated turnout at 26,500 people, while the CGT put the number at 80,000.
What security measures were implemented in Toulouse?
Authorities deployed gendarmerie reinforcements, Centaure vehicles, RAID tactical units, and Sentinelle soldiers alongside checkpoint controls at railway stations and the place du Capitole.