31.10.2026 22:01
Tensions rose in the Yellow Vest protests organized in France against the high cost of living. As protesters and security forces faced off in many cities, especially Paris, at least two police officers were briefly engulfed in flames due to incendiary substances thrown during the clashes. Dense smoke rose in the streets where the clashes occurred, while security forces intervened against the protesters.
Tensions rose during the Yellow Vests protests against the high cost of living in France. Near Porte de Charenton in Paris, flammable materials were thrown at security forces, and in recorded footage at least two gendarmes were seen briefly engulfed in flames. In Bordeaux, a piñata depicting the head of President Emmanuel Macron was torn apart, and banknotes spilled out of it.
POLICE OFFICERS IN PARIS WERE ENGULFED IN FLAMES
The march in Paris began at 14:00 local time at Porte de Bagnolet. Protesters advanced from there toward Porte de Charenton. Protesters chanting 'We want a general strike,' 'The streets are ours,' and 'We are young, determined, revolutionary' protested the government's economic and education policies.
Tensions escalated near Porte de Charenton, where the demonstration ended. Molotov cocktails and flammable materials were thrown at security forces. In footage published by the French press, the thrown flammable object caught fire at the point where police were located, and at least two security officers were seen briefly engulfed in flames. No official statement has yet been made as to whether anyone was injured in the incident.
MACRON PIÑATA TORN APART IN BORDEAUX
One of the striking images from the protests came from Bordeaux. A piñata depicting the head of President Emmanuel Macron was torn apart by protesters. Banknotes were seen spilling out of the piñata.
POLICE INTERVENTION IN MANY CITIES
Trade unions and students also supported the Yellow Vests' actions. Protesters carried banners reading 'We want to live,' 'Freedom,' and 'Macron, you are embarrassing France.' Protesters reacting to rising racism in the country marched with Palestinian flags and keffiyehs in solidarity with the people of Gaza.
Because the protests coincided with Halloween, some participants wore costumes of comic book characters. In Paris, another group consisting mostly of students gathered near Place de la Bastille despite the ban.
In Rennes, police intervened against protesters with pepper spray and batons, while in Lyon various objects were thrown at security forces. In Marseille, masked individuals reportedly threw stones and glass bottles at police, while in Toulouse it was reported that an unauthorized demonstration was being dispersed with water cannon and pepper spray.
320,000 PEOPLE TOOK TO THE STREETS NATIONWIDE
According to data from France's Ministry of the Interior, approximately 320,000 people nationwide participated in the October 31 protests. The number of participants in the capital, Paris, was announced as 70,000. Trade unions and student organizations, however, reported that approximately 500,000 people joined the protests.
It was reported that approximately 300 people were detained during the protests. As part of security measures, 70,000 police officers and gendarmes were deployed nationwide.
GOVERNMENT HAD INCREASED SECURITY MEASURES
After looting and violence during protests held in France on October 17, the government had increased security measures. There were also many detentions during the October 24 actions, and the Ministry of the Interior announced that 1,435 people had been taken into custody.
According to the ministry's October 29 data, 1,193 police officers and gendarmes were injured in incidents since October 17. Ahead of the October 31 protests, the government restricted protest routes in some cities to prevent potential violence and also banned unauthorized gatherings planned for the evening hours.