About 410,000 protest across France; nearly 1,000 arrested
One Turn followed this story across 2 editions, from Paris, France on October 24, 2026. Newest first.
The movement began more than a month ago with high school students protesting teacher shortages and run-down buildings. Unions and the Yellow Vests movement later joined, adding demands about wages and prices. The previous weekend saw looting and riots.
Hundreds of thousands marched across France on Saturday over school conditions and the cost of living. The Interior Ministry counted 410,000 people, including 110,000 in Paris, while unions said about 800,000. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said nearly 1,000 people were arrested after evening clashes, and 70,000 police were deployed.
Why it matters: The unrest pressures President Emmanuel Macron's government in his final months and has spread to other European countries.
Hundreds of thousands marched across France on Saturday over school conditions and the cost of living. The Interior Ministry counted about 410,000 people, including 110,000 in Paris, while unions said nearly 800,000 took part. Clashes broke out at the end of the Paris march, and officials said nearly 1,000 people were arrested nationwide.
Why it matters: A second weekend of mass protests adds pressure on President Macron's government and has pushed up France's borrowing costs.