24.10.2026 19:41
A new wave of protests in France has spread to many cities across the country. In demonstrations where thousands of people took to the streets, especially in Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and Lille, police intervened against some groups with tear gas. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced that as of 13:00, 135 people had been detained, 136 incidents had been recorded, and approximately 35,000 people had participated in the demonstrations. While 24 metro stations were closed in the capital, the government deployed 70,000 police officers and gendarmes.
Security measures were raised to the highest level as protests were held in France at the call of trade unions, students and the Yellow Vests movement. As demonstrators took to the streets in many cities, police intervention took place in some areas.
35,000 PEOPLE TOOK TO THE STREETS, 135 DETAINED
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced the initial data regarding protests across the country. Nunez reported that as of 13:00 local time, approximately 35,000 people had joined the demonstrations, 135 people had been detained and 136 incidents were recorded. Noting that various weapons had been seized in connection with the demonstrations, the minister stated that no serious incident had occurred as of the time of the statement.
24 METRO STATIONS CLOSED IN PARIS
In the capital Paris, demonstrators gathered around Porte d'Italie in the south of the city and chanted slogans before the march. Within the scope of security measures, Paris public transport operator RATP temporarily closed 24 metro stations. Luxury stores on the famous Champs-Élysées Avenue also took action against possible looting and violence. Many businesses protected their shop windows with metal barriers and wooden panels.
POLICE TEAR GAS INTERVENTION IN LYON
In Lyon, police clashed with groups trying to enter areas where demonstrations were banned. A group of about 200 people gathered near Jean Moulin Lyon 3 University was intervened with tear gas. Police dispersed masked and hooded demonstrators, while hundreds of students protested the government in permitted areas. It was reported that demonstrators were also intervened with pepper spray in Marseille.
2 INJURED IN ATTEMPT TO CLOSE HIGHWAY
In Grenoble, a group of demonstrators tried to close the A480 highway to traffic. The Isère Prefecture announced that the attempt caused a traffic accident and 2 people were slightly injured. Police teams intervened and dispersed the group trying to close the highway.
70,000 POLICE AND GENDARMES DEPLOYED
The French government took extensive security measures to prevent protests from turning into violence. Interior Minister Nunez announced that 70,000 police and gendarmes would be deployed for demonstrations across the country. While authorized demonstrations were held in many cities including Paris, Lille, Strasbourg, Mulhouse, Grenoble, Marseille, Toulouse and Amiens, security forces intervened in banned areas.
NIGHT CURFEW EXTENDED IN SOME CITIES
In the cities of Lille, Denain, Douai and Wattignies, a partial curfew for those under 18 was extended until October 26. The ban, generally applied between 22:00 and 05:00, was expanded to include the cities of Marly and Valenciennes.
WHAT HAD HAPPENED?
Protests started by students in Créteil near the capital Paris on September 18 quickly spread across the country. The actions, which grew when the Yellow Vests and farmers reacting to fuel prices joined on October 17-18, turned into violence last weekend. Clashes occurred between demonstrators and police, many buildings and vehicles were set on fire, and some stores were looted. After the events were brought under control through police interventions and curfews, demonstrators took to the streets again today. To prevent possible violence, the French government deployed 70,000 police and gendarmes, 10,000 more than last week.