France deploys 70,000 police and gendarmes on October 24, 2026, as fresh protests take place across the country following violent unrest a week earlier. Authorities have tightened security while unions and student groups defend the right to demonstrate peacefully.
France Deploys 70,000 Police for October 24 Protests
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez confirmed that the nationwide operation would involve 10,000 more officers than on October 17. Elite police units, water cannon, armored vehicles, helicopters and drones were assigned to prevent looting and attacks.
Officials warned that people involved in violence would face legal action, while organizers said their demands over living costs, schools and public services remained unresolved.
Paris March Routes Restricted as Museums Close
Police limited a union march in Paris to a route between Bastille and Nation, away from the city center. Demonstrations were banned or restricted in several other cities, including Lyon, Nice and Montpellier. Marseille allowed a union march as an exception.
Major Paris attractions, including the Louvre and Orsay museums, closed for the day, while stores boarded up windows. Unions and opposition leaders criticized the restrictions on demonstrations.
October 17 France Riots Leave Widespread Damage
The previous weekend, largely peaceful protests were followed by looting, arson and clashes in Paris, Marseille, Lyon and other cities. The historic town hall in Limoges was badly damaged by fire.
Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin said on October 23 that 232 people had been jailed and 1,144 had been referred to court following the unrest. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu pledged government support for rebuilding the Limoges town hall.
Yellow Vest Movement Adds to Political Tensions
The Yellow Vest movement announced hundreds of smaller actions nationwide, alongside student and trade union mobilization. Student protests initially focused on teacher shortages and poor school facilities but expanded to include broader concerns over living costs.
President Emmanuel Macron met student representatives on October 23, although organizers maintained their calls for further action. Additional police were sent to Orleans, where protests were planned near a National Rally party conference. The unrest comes ahead of France's 2027 presidential election.
