Citizens across France have staged a second nationwide protest against economic problems once again, while the government has deployed more than 70,000 security personnel to respond. Reports indicate that 135 people have been arrested.
Foreign news agencies reported on 24 Oct 2026 that French authorities have dispatched over 70,000 security officers, along with armored vehicles, helicopters, and high-pressure water cannons, stationed in various cities to handle the new round of nationwide protests by citizens dissatisfied with rising living costs and inflation caused by the energy crisis.
During the previous protests, some demonstrators rioted, setting government buildings on fire and looting thousands of shops, prompting the government to tighten its response measures. According to the Interior Minister, 135 protesters have been arrested, and various weapons such as firecrackers, slingshots, metal balls, and katana swords have been seized.
"The seizure of these weapons clearly demonstrates the determination of certain far-left and extremist groups to escalate the protests into violence," said Laurent Nuñez, France's Interior Minister. "We will not tolerate any violence or disturbances of public order under any circumstances."
Additionally, reports indicate clashes in Lyon, where riot police rapidly intervened to disperse about 150 protesters near the city center who attempted to block roads. Authorities used tear gas to break up the demonstration.
Meanwhile, in Paris, the march began in a calm and friendly atmosphere. Some protesters said they came out to demand a better future and to express their opposition to government policies, while labor unions criticized the ban on protests not organized by unions.
The government of President Emmanuel Macron has banned protests not organized by labor unions, causing dissatisfaction and being viewed as a restriction on the right to protest freely.
At the same time, many shops had to board up windows or close their doors to avoid damage from potential riots. Additionally, famous museums like the Louvre and Orsay announced closures on Saturday for safety reasons.
Meanwhile, the "Rassemblement National" (RN) party, led by opposition leader Marine Le Pen, held a major meeting to launch its presidential campaign, resulting in counter-protesters rallying against the far right amid tense demonstrations. Around 11,000 to 26,000 protesters took part, chanting slogans calling for the party’s removal.
Beyond France, reports indicate inflation and cost-of-living protests have erupted in several European countries. Notably in Italy, where the government deployed 500 soldiers to Milan following street riots last week.
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Source:cna