Politics · France · 38 mins ago
Hundreds of thousands join social protests across France
People protested across France on 31 October, in the country’s third day of social mobilization in three weeks.
The French Interior Ministry counted 320,000 participants nationwide, while youth unions and organizers estimated nearly 500,000.
In Paris, the police counted 70,000 people at the demonstration, while the unions had not yet published their own figure.
The protests involved youth groups, including unions and associations representing school and university students.
Tensions flared during dispersals in several cities, including Marseille and Toulouse, where police used water cannons in Toulouse.
The protests drew large crowds, but the available figures differ substantially and no further developments were specified.
About 320,000 people took part in protests across France on 31 October, according to the interior ministry, while another report gave an official figure of 14,000.
The demonstrations opposed the cost of living and deteriorating public services, including education.
Most rallies were peaceful, but clashes between police and masked groups broke out in several cities.
Authorities deployed about 70,000 police and security personnel across the country.
Students said they planned further school and university blockades and to join a demonstration on 5 November.
- Who
- Protesters including students, trade union members and yellow vest demonstrators; police and security forces.
- What
- Protests over the cost of living, public services and education took place, with clashes reported in several cities.
- When
- Saturday, 31 October 2026.
- Where
- Across France, including Paris, Marseille, Lyon and Toulouse.
- Why
- Protesters objected to the cost of living, deteriorating public services, widening inequalities and police violence.
Protesters
French authorities
Main concern
Protesters
Protesters demanded action on the cost of living and better public services, including education.
French authorities
Authorities said they deployed security forces to prevent disorder and protect people and property.
A first wave of mass protests was accompanied by widespread street violence and looting in several French cities.
Demonstrations took place across France for a third wave of protests, with clashes reported in several cities.
Student protesters said they planned new high school and university blockades.
Student protesters said they would join a demonstration called by workers and trade unions.
- National turnout
- About 320,000, according to France’s interior ministry; another report cited an official figure of 14,000
- Paris turnout
- 70,000, according to the Paris police prefecture
- Security deployment
- About 70,000 police and security personnel
- Arrests
- 27 by 14:00 on 31 October, according to French authorities
- Next planned demonstration
- 5 November
11 sources
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What people are saying
a very high risk
That’s why we’re here, to keep shouting our demands louder and louder.
We say no to the cost of living, no to the far right, yes to high school students’ demands, yes to giving citizens a voice.
Then we will join the 5 November demonstration called by workers and trade unions.
Posts on X
Manifestation du #31octobre | Le cortège déclaré par les organisations syndicales est arrivé dans le calme place Jean Macé à Lyon. Les syndicats, qui ont joué leur rôle, appellent à la dispersion en direction du sud et l’est de la place en concertation avec les autorités.