Police and protesters clash in Paris during nationwide demonstrations
More than 320,000 people protested across France on Saturday against high living costs and poor public services.
Police and protesters clashed in Paris on Saturday, October 31, 2026, as part of a third consecutive weekend of nationwide demonstrations. France's interior ministry reported that more than 320,000 people took to the streets across the country to protest rising living costs and poor public services.
In Paris, police estimated that about 70,000 people participated in the main protest. Authorities moved the march to the capital's outer boulevards, from Porte de Bagnolet to Porte de Charenton, to reduce the risk of unrest near government buildings and tourist sites.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez had warned of a very high risk of disorder, particularly after dark on Halloween. To prevent a repeat of previous violence, police barred entry to Place de la Republique and Les Halles between 11 p.m. on Saturday and 6 a.m. on Sunday.
The ministry reported that at least 290 protesters were arrested during the demonstrations. This turnout was lower than previous mass protests on October 17, which drew more than 500,000 people, and October 24, which saw 410,000 participants.
The movement began with high school students protesting school conditions before broadening into concerns over living costs. Similar youth-led protests also took place in Germany, Albania, and Italy.