Mass protests in France: clashes in Paris and controversy over Pas-de-Calais data centres

Large demonstrations have spread across France after a protest movement that began with calls for greater investment in education expanded to include students, workers and environmental activists. Protesters are demanding improved living standards and are calling for a moratorium on construction of new data centres until their local impacts are assessed.

Clashes in Paris, mobilisation in Pas-de-Calais

In Paris the atmosphere turned violent as demonstrations escalated into clashes with police. Officers used tear gas and batons to disperse parts of the crowd, according to witnesses at the scenes.

Farther north, in the Pas-de-Calais region, activists focused on plans for a large data-centre complex. They warned the project would require vast amounts of electricity and could have consequences for the environment and public health.

Organisers estimate the proposed complex would consume about one third of the region's electricity annually, a figure that has become central to critics' arguments against the development.

What began as an education-focused movement has become a broader social coalition, bringing together different groups around shared economic and environmental concerns. Demonstrations continued in multiple cities as organisers pushed their demand that authorities pause new data-centre construction until independent impact studies are completed.

Photo: press material from the event