▲ Escalating
410,000 march across France on Saturday as clashes and tear gas hit several cities
On Saturday, the Interior Ministry reported 410,000 demonstrators nationwide, including 110,000 in Paris, while unions claimed 800,000. Clashes broke out in Paris, Lyon, Rennes, Nantes and Bordeaux, and police fired tear gas. About 70,000 security forces were deployed, and 135 people had been arrested by midday. Authorities say they want to prevent a repeat of last weekend's looting, burned cars and attacks on public buildings.
- The Interior Ministry counted 410,000 marchers; unions claimed 800,000. Clashes and tear gas were reported in five cities.
- Gatherings were banned and curfews extended before the weekend, and Macron said only authorised union demonstrations would be allowed. Thousands also marched in Orléans against the National Rally congress.
- Looters hit a commercial avenue in Marseille, and Limoges city hall was destroyed by fire during the national protests.
- France's 10-year bond yield rose above 5% for the first time since 2002, and a Moody's downgrade is widely expected. In Italy, Meloni announced 500 more soldiers for Milan after new cost-of-living protests.
Updated 24 Oct 2026, 17:29 UTC · Written by Claude from the reports on this page and on the map. Check the linked sources for full details.