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France protests over cost of living lead to clashes and arrests
Massive demonstrations took place across France on October 24, 2026, as citizens protested against the rising cost of living, social inequality, and deteriorating public services. While the French Ministry of the Interior estimated participation at 410,000 people, including 110,000 in Paris, labor unions such as the CGT claimed the actual number was closer to 800,000.
Although many marches began peacefully, violent clashes erupted in several major cities, including Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, and Toulouse. Authorities reported that approximately 1,314 people were arrested nationwide. The unrest resulted in injuries to at least 53 police officers and several protesters, including one individual in Toulouse who suffered severe hand injuries due to an explosion.
In response to the unrest, the government deployed approximately 70,000 police and gendarmes. In Paris, security measures led to the closure of several museums, including the Louvre, and more than 20 metro stations. Authorities also reported instances of looting and vandalism, specifically targeting shops and car dealerships, though officials noted that the scale of property damage and fires was lower than during the previous week of protests.
Entities
Bolivia · CGT · Confederación de Trabajadores de Educación Urbana de Bolivia · Emmanuel Macron · Erick Sanjinés · France · French Ministry of the Interior · Jean-Luc Mélenchon · La Paz · Laurent Nunez · Louvre · Louvre Museum
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [DISPUTED] 135 people were arrested during the protests in France. frenteacano.com.ar · elnacional.com.py · nuevapresencia.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Police used tear gas to disperse protesters in Sucre and La Paz.
- [● 12 SOURCES] France deployed 70,000 security agents to manage protests. elnacional.com.py · frenteacano.com.ar · nuevapresencia.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Choqueyapu river in La Paz reached near-overflow levels due to intense rain.
- [● 8 SOURCES] Bolivian teachers are conducting a 24-hour strike.
- [● 7 SOURCES] The Bolivian strike is in response to the proposed decentralization of technical and technological institutes.
- [● 9 SOURCES] Major museums in Paris, including the Louvre and Orsay, were closed due to security concerns. elnacional.com.py
- [● 9 SOURCES] Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters in several French cities. elnacional.com.py · frenteacano.com.ar · insajder.net
- [● 3 SOURCES] The CGT union estimated the total number of protesters was 800,000.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Police seized a wide array of weapons and gas masks during the demonstrations.
- [● 13 SOURCES] Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced the deployment of up to 70,000 police and gendarmes.
- [● 6 SOURCES] Police used tear gas and water cannons in Paris to disperse crowds.