Mobilization phase in Tours

The third phase of the mobilization against the high cost of living occurred in Tours, with a planned gathering at Place Jean Jaurès on a Saturday at 2 p.m., the third consecutive week of such demonstrations. The Prefecture of Indre-et-Loire had issued an order banning any gatherings in the city center, adding to the tension around the event.

Curfew imposed and overturned

The Prefect of Indre-et-Loire imposed a curfew in response to the planned demonstration, but this measure was later overturned by an administrative court. Protesters, including one identified as Marie, rejected the restrictions, calling them unthinkable and claiming they only strengthened their determination to protest.

Protesters move through the city center

For over an hour, protesters moved through the center of Tours while law enforcement positioned themselves around Nationale Street to prevent the procession from entering. The situation escalated around 4 p.m. when law enforcement deployed tear gas canisters in response to firework shots from approximately 200 masked protesters, whom the Prefecture later labeled as rioters.

Damage and dispersal

After dispersing from Place Jean Jaurès, around 4,000 protesters, according to the Prefecture, continued their march toward Old Tours via the Halles. They left behind burned trash cans and a destroyed tricolor traffic light. Several groups formed and regrouped, with one group attacking the Lys d'Or bar at Place Plumereau. Vandalism continued later in the evening on Avenue Grammont, where law enforcement pushed back the last of the protesters.

Arrests and lingering protests

Despite the curfew being lifted, most businesses in Old Tours remained closed by evening, with a few dozen protesters still present, lighting several fires. At 9 p.m., the Prefecture reported six arrests, indicating the ongoing nature of the unrest despite the official measures taken.