Photos Show Some Of The Biggest Protests And Riots In French History

France is experiencing one of the largest riots and protests in years.

What began as peaceful demonstrations over school conditions eventually turned into nationwide cost-of-living protests and subsequent riots.

French Prime Minister Sebastien Le Cornou said on Tuesday that the curfew imposed on Monday would help lead to a calm night, but more protests were planned, Reuters reported.

The riots and protests echoed many incidents in France’s long history of mass demonstrations. From nationwide strikes to student demonstrations, events have brought the country to a standstill, in some cases prompting French leaders to declare a state of emergency.

Look at some of the largest and most influential protests and riots in France over the past 100 years.

1934—February 6 Riots

On February 6, 1934, veterans marched through the Place de la Concorde in Paris with the National Legion Band.

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Veterans and right-wing demonstrators have taken to the streets following a government corruption scandal. At least 15 people died.

The next day, France’s then prime minister resigned, raising fears of a fascist coup.

1936 – Popular Front strike

During the black and white demonstrations, city streets were packed with people carrying banners, storefronts and bicycles. — In May 1936, demonstrations were held in Paris.

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In addition to the economic crisis, fears of a fascist coup following the 1934 uprisings helped unite left-wing parties and trade unions. According to the French National Assembly, massive strikes and factory occupations in May and June 1936 led to major labor reforms.

1948 – Miners’ strike

A large crowd gathers near wooden boards and a horse-drawn carriage in a black and white city street scene. — On October 27, 1948, the miners went on strike.

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In 1948, 300,000 French coal miners went on strike to protest economic conditions, according to the New York Times. The government cracked down hard and some striking miners were killed and another 3,000 fired, according to AFP.

1961 – Algerian Demonstrations and Massacres in Paris

Passengers crammed into a city bus at night could see a black-and-white street scene through large windows. — On October 17, 1961, Algerian demonstrators were arrested during a peaceful demonstration while waiting with their hands above their heads on a bus commandeered by the police.

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According to the BBC, some 30,000 Algerians demonstrated peacefully against the curfew and in support of Algerian independence.

French police brutally suppressed. Historians estimate that at least 120 Algerians were killed, but some estimate the number to be closer to 300, according to Al Jazeera.

1968 – May 1968

In a busy vaulted courtyard, a crowd gathers around a pianist playing an upright piano. — On May 14, 1968, students occupied the Sorbonne University in Paris.

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What began as a student movement demanding university reform turned into a multi-million strike after unions joined the uprising.

Between protests and riots, demonstrations have brought the country to a standstill. In an effort to restore order, then-President de Gaulle dissolved the National Assembly and called early elections, which his party won in June.

According to Time magazine, many banners at this year’s student protests mentioned “May 1968.”

1986 – Anti-Dwakai student protests

Demonstrators marched with French protest banners reading — On December 6, 1986, students demonstrated in Paris.

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Hundreds of thousands of students are protesting against proposed university reforms that they fear will limit access to higher education.

Three weeks of violent clashes with police left hundreds injured and 22-year-old Malik Oussekine dead, forcing Prime Minister Jacques Chirac to roll back reforms, according to Time magazine.

1995 – Strikes against pension reform

Demonstrators held red flags and flares in front of a bus marked with white graffiti. — Tram drivers of the RTM Group demonstrate during a strike in Marseille on December 28, 1995.

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According to the Global Nonviolent Action Database, between October and December 1995, public sector workers went on strike against proposed austerity measures and pension reforms, bringing the country to a standstill.

Then-Prime Minister Alain Juppe withdrew proposed changes to the public sector pension scheme, but other parts of his reform package continued.

2005 – Riots in France

Firefighters used ladder trucks and hoses to fight large structure fires at night. — Firefighters battle a warehouse fire in the Paris suburb of Aubervilliers on November 4, 2005.

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Riots began in the Paris suburb of Clichy-Sous-Bois after two teenagers died while fleeing police, and later spread to other cities, the BBC reported at the time.

As the unrest spread, the government declared a state of emergency. The unrest lasted about three weeks, and the state of emergency ended about two months later.

2018 — Yellow Vests

Yellow vest protesters faced riot police behind street barricades during a city demonstration, with the French flag clearly visible. — An anti-government demonstrator stands in front of French riot police during a protest in Bordeaux on December 29, 2018.

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“Les Gilets Jaunes,” or the “Yellow Vests” in English, was a protest movement in 2018 against a planned increase in fuel taxes that later turned into wider anti-government demonstrations and resulted in deaths.

French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe froze the tax increase in December of that year, then lifted it completely a few days later.

2023 – Pensions reform protests

A group of demonstrators carrying Confederation flags and yellow vests marched through the smog-filled city streets. — Protesters march during a demonstration in Lille on March 23, 2023.

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According to Le Monde, hundreds of thousands of people are protesting and going on strike against President Macron’s pension reform, which will raise the retirement age from 62 to 64.

Macron’s government implemented the reform despite protests. The retirement age will increase from September 2023 and is expected to reach 64 in 2030.