Hundreds of thousands of workers across France joined a one-day nationwide strike on Thursday over wages and living costs. The interior ministry put participation at 575,000, down from an earlier 600,000, with 60,000 marching in Paris, while the CGT union claimed 1.6 million. Police fired tear gas and water cannon in Paris and Lyon, where officers charged protesters and fires were set in the streets. Firefighters put out blazes across the country, and the Eiffel Tower was closed for the day. Strike marches came six months before elections to replace President Emmanuel Macron.
Laurent Nuñez
3 stories since 29 October 2026, newest first
5 November 2026
2 November 2026
French prosecutors have opened an investigation for attempted murder after petrol bombs were thrown at police and gendarmes during Saturday's protests in Paris, injuring an officer with second-degree burns. About 70,000 police and gendarmes were deployed nationwide, and an estimated 320,000 people demonstrated over the weekend. More than 770 arrests were made across France, including 105 in Paris, while no suspects have been detained pending identification.
29 October 2026
Protests over living costs, fuel prices and inflation took place across France on Saturday 31 Oct, the third weekend of demonstrations. French authorities estimate about 320,000 people joined rallies in roughly 150 locations, while youth organisations put the figure near 500,000. The interior ministry reports 565 arrests nationwide. Around 70,000 police officers and gendarmes were deployed, and Paris marches were rerouted away from the centre to protect shops, government buildings and tourist areas. Clashes with projectiles and tear gas were reported in Paris, Lyon and Toulouse, and several shops were looted in Frankfurt.