France protests over the cost of living and inequality turned violent for a second consecutive weekend on October 24, 2026, as clashes broke out in Paris and other cities. The Interior Ministry said 410,000 people took part nationwide.

Key Takeaways

  • The CGT union put nationwide attendance at around 800,000, including 250,000 in Paris.
  • The demonstrations began in September with student complaints about school conditions and grew into a broader movement.
  • France’s 10-year government bond yield settled around 5.03% on October 23, after rising above 5% for the first time since 2002.

France protests spread across major cities

Authorities had increased security after the previous weekend’s unrest, when rioters set fire to the historic city hall in Limoges and looters smashed supermarkets and luxury boutiques in Lyon. Violence on October 24 was less intense than a week earlier.

In Paris, riot police used tear gas and water cannon against around 500 hooded youths who threw stones at officers, a security official said. In Marseille, youths blocked a street with metal sheets, set fire to rubbish bins and threw rocks and bottles at police. Police said looters raided two jewelry shops.

Clashes also occurred in Lyon, Bordeaux and Grenoble. Police fired tear gas at demonstrators in Clermont-Ferrand, Lille, Nantes and Nice.

From school conditions to living costs

The demonstrations began in September after high school students in suburban Paris raised concerns about teacher shortages and inadequate facilities. They have since developed into nationwide protests encompassing living costs and inequality.

The Interior Ministry and the CGT offered different estimates of participation on October 24. The ministry reported 410,000 people nationwide, while the union estimated around 800,000, including 250,000 in Paris.

Borrowing costs rise

France’s economic and political difficulties have raised its government borrowing costs. The 10-year bond yield rose above 5% for the first time since 2002 during the week and settled around 5.03% on Friday, October 23.

Some investors fear that France’s debt problems could spread to the rest of the eurozone.

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