Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets across France on 31 October 2026 to protest against high living costs, inequality and problems with public services. Around 320,000 people joined the demonstrations, according to the French Interior Ministry, while youth organisations reported higher figures. Most marches were peaceful, but clashes with police broke out on their fringes.
It was the third consecutive weekend of nationwide protests. School pupils, university students, trade unionists and yellow vest activists were among those taking part. Their demands included better living standards, improved conditions in education and better public services.
Competing turnout estimates
Interior Ministry figures reported by France 24 put turnout in Paris at around 70,000. A coalition of youth organisations and unions representing school pupils and university students estimated that nearly half a million people demonstrated nationwide, including 200,000 in the capital. These are estimates from the respective parties, rather than an independently established count.
The authorities’ figures for the three successive weekends indicate falling turnout. The ministry estimated that 410,000 people took part on 24 October and 550,000 on 17 October. Despite the lower numbers, the demonstrations remained nationwide.
Clashes as marches drew to a close
France 24 and Euronews reported tensions as marches were ending, including in Paris, Lyon and Marseille. The clashes involved some participants; most demonstrations remained peaceful.
Citing observations by AFP journalists in Paris, France 24 described some masked people throwing projectiles at police. Officers used tear gas and intervened with batons.
More than 290 people had been arrested across the country, according to Interior Ministry figures cited in an update to France 24’s live coverage on 31 October. That was a running total, not a final account of the entire day and night. An arrest does not establish guilt or amount to a conviction.
Sources
- https://www.france24.com/en/france/20261031-live-france-braces-for-halloween-protests-government-vows-tough-response
- https://www.euronews.com/2026/10/31/frances-third-weekend-of-social-protests-sees-lower-turnout-and-early-clashes-in-major-cit
- https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/oct/30/cost-of-living-protests-to-spread-to-germany-and-reignite-in-france-on-halloween
