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France protests intensified on Saturday, October 24, 2026, as authorities deployed 70,000 police officers and gendarmes nationwide to prevent a repeat of the violence and looting seen the previous weekend. Demonstrations took place across the country over rising living costs, wages, school funding and public services.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said 135 people had been arrested by early afternoon. Police also seized various items that could be used as weapons, including metal balls, lead pellets, fireworks, slingshots, improvised weapons, a katana and airsoft weapons.
Why Are People Protesting Across France?
The demonstrations reflect growing frustration over economic pressures and the state of public services. Students, workers, trade unions and other groups have called for better-funded schools, higher wages, improved pensions and measures to ease the cost of living.
The protests have expanded following a week of serious unrest on October 17, when demonstrations escalated into looting, property damage and clashes with police in several cities.
According to the French Interior Ministry, groups attacked public buildings, damaged businesses and confronted law enforcement officers during the previous weekend’s disturbances. The government subsequently increased security measures ahead of the latest round of demonstrations.
70,000 Police Officers Deployed Nationwide
The French government mobilised approximately 70,000 police officers and gendarmes for Saturday’s demonstrations, around 10,000 more than the force deployed the previous weekend.
The security operation included specialised police units, helicopters, armoured vehicles and water cannons. Authorities also strengthened checks at transport hubs and other locations to identify people carrying potentially dangerous items.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said the government wanted to prevent further violence, looting and destruction. Officials also instructed local authorities to assess planned demonstrations and restrict or redirect marches where there was a serious risk to public safety.
Weapons Seized as Police Make Arrests
Police arrested 135 people nationwide by early Saturday afternoon, according to Nuñez. The arrests followed security checks and searches conducted ahead of and during the demonstrations.
The items seized included metal balls, lead pellets, fireworks, slingshots, improvised weapons, a katana and airsoft weapons. Authorities said the checks were intended to prevent violence and identify individuals carrying objects that could be used to harm others.
The minister said there had been no major incident at the time of his update. However, the situation remained fluid as demonstrations continued in several cities.
Tear Gas Used in Lyon as Demonstrations Spread
Although the main march in Paris began peacefully, confrontations were reported in other cities.
Police used tear gas to disperse crowds in Lyon, while demonstrations also took place in Clermont-Ferrand and other urban centres. The varying situations across the country highlighted the challenge of managing large public gatherings while preventing violence.
In Paris, authorities imposed restrictions on the route of the main march and increased security around central areas. More than 20 metro stations were reported closed during the security operation, while several major museums and cultural institutions shut their doors for the day.
Shops and Public Institutions Take Precautions
Businesses in Paris prepared for possible unrest by closing early or boarding up their storefronts. Major cultural institutions, including the Louvre, the Orsay Museum, the Picasso Museum and the Grand Palais, also closed amid security concerns.
The precautions followed the previous weekend’s violence, when thousands of shops were reported damaged or affected by looting across France.
Authorities also placed restrictions on demonstrations in some cities, while organisers and civil liberties advocates raised concerns about limits on peaceful assembly.
Political Pressure Mounts on Emmanuel Macron’s Government
The protests have increased pressure on President Emmanuel Macron’s government to respond to public concerns about the cost of living, education, wages and public services.
Demonstrators have called for stronger government action to address economic difficulties and improve public infrastructure. Opposition groups have also criticised the government’s handling of the unrest and the restrictions imposed on demonstrations.
The government, meanwhile, has focused on preventing further violence and protecting public buildings, businesses and residents. The coming days may determine whether the demonstrations remain largely peaceful or lead to renewed clashes.
What Happens Next?
French authorities are expected to continue monitoring demonstrations and enforcing restrictions where officials identify a risk to public safety. Police investigations into the previous weekend’s violence and the latest arrests are also likely to continue.
The scale of the security deployment reflects the government’s concern about further looting and confrontations. At the same time, the protests show that questions about living costs, public services and economic inequality remain unresolved.
The situation could change as further demonstrations take place and authorities release updated arrest figures. The 135 arrests reported by early afternoon should therefore be treated as a time-specific figure, not a final nationwide total.
Disclaimer: Details may change as demonstrations continue and authorities release further updates. Readers should verify the latest information through official sources before drawing conclusions.
