Protests in France Continue
Featured image: A partially burning French Gendarme runs during a protest over the rising cost of living in Paris, Saturday, October 31, 2026. Sources: AFP
On October 31, protests across France entered a third consecutive weekend in nationwide mobilization, bringing together high-school and university students, trade unions and Yellow Vest activists. The youth organizations estimated that about half a million people joined the demonstrations nationwide.
In Paris, a legal dispute over the march route became a flashpoint. Authorities blocked the proposed central routes, citing “public-order concerns”, and the Council of State ultimately upheld a march on the outer Boulevards des Maréchaux, from Porte de Bagnolet to Porte de Charenton. Organizers’ efforts to challenge the restrictions in court did not secure the planned central route. The security operation was extensive: about 70,000 police and gendarmes were deployed across France, and around 40 Paris Metro stations were closed.
Clashes erupted near Porte de Charenton as it ended. Some protesters threw stones, fireworks and Molotov cocktails; police responded with tear gas, water cannons and stun grenades. Clashes and police use of tear gas were also reported in other cities, including Lyon, Toulouse and Marseille. protesters and student groups, have denounced police repression – violence and restrictions on assembly.
The school protests have also resumed after a two-week autumn holiday. Blockades have again began at some schools. France’s Education Ministry stated 41 high schools were blockaded.
