▲ Escalating
Almost 1,000 arrested as mass protests sweep France, with clashes in several cities
On Saturday, hundreds of thousands marched across France in a coalition of Yellow Vests, unions and students protesting over studying conditions and purchasing power. The Interior Ministry reported 410,000 demonstrators, including 110,000 in Paris, while unions claimed 800,000. Clashes and tear gas were reported in Paris, Lyon, Rennes, Nantes and Bordeaux, and almost 1,000 people had been arrested by the evening. Officials have so far avoided a repeat of last weekend's rioting and looting.
- 70,000 security forces were deployed, with gatherings banned and curfews extended in some areas ahead of Saturday.
- Thousands also marched in Orléans against the National Rally congress.
- In Italy, cost-of-living protests returned to Milan, where Prime Minister Meloni announced 500 more soldiers and tougher penalties for minors.
- France's 10-year bond yield rose above 5% for the first time since 2002, and a Moody's downgrade is widely expected.
Updated 24 Oct 2026, 22:09 UTC · Written by Claude from the reports on this page and on the map. Check the linked sources for full details.