PARIS, October 24, 2026

French police have arrested at least 135 people during demonstrations in Paris and several other cities across France. The protests were held against rising living costs, declining public services and insufficient funding for education. Authorities deployed approximately 70,000 police officers and gendarmes nationwide amid concerns that violence witnessed during the previous week’s demonstrations could erupt again.

According to French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, the arrests had been made by Saturday afternoon. Some followed preventive searches that authorities said resulted in the seizure of fireworks, tools and objects that could potentially be used in acts of violence. The minister stressed that the authorities would not tolerate violence or disturbances to public order.

Protests Over Economic Conditions and Public Services

Demonstrators took to the streets in several cities, carrying placards and chanting slogans criticizing rising prices and growing social inequality. They also called for better educational conditions and increased funding for schools and public services.

Paris witnessed a large turnout, while other cities, including Lyon, Marseille, Lille and Nice, reported sporadic clashes between police and protesters.

Reports indicated that police used tear gas and water cannons at some locations following confrontations and attempts to block roads. Other gatherings proceeded peacefully amid a heavy security presence and heightened protective measures around key sites.

Security Measures and Closures of Shops and Cultural Institutions

Authorities raised the security alert level amid fears of a repeat of the vandalism and looting that accompanied protests the previous week. Measures included the closure of several Paris Metro stations and a number of museums and cultural institutions. Some shop owners also boarded up their storefronts in anticipation of possible acts of vandalism.

Authorities said the extensive security deployment was intended to protect public and private property and maintain movement across cities. However, some demonstrators criticized restrictions imposed on protest routes, arguing that the measures limited their ability to express their demands.

Conflicting Estimates of Protest Turnout

Estimates of the number of participants varied significantly. The Associated Press reported that France’s Interior Ministry put nationwide turnout at approximately 410,000 people, while protest organizers estimated that around 800,000 people or more had taken part.

The demonstrations come amid growing public discontent over the cost of living and mounting pressure on public services. The government faces the challenge of containing the protests and maintaining public order without further escalating tensions with demonstrators.

Developments on the ground and the number of people detained may change as demonstrations continue and authorities and media outlets release further updates.