France Protests 2026: Third Weekend Hits Halloween
France enters a third consecutive weekend of protests with 70,000 officers deployed, 40+ Paris metro stations shut, and a night curfew in force. Updated 08:02 UTC 31 Oct 2026.
Police and gendarmes deployed today
70,000
Marchers on Oct 17 (worst riots)
~550,000
Marchers on Oct 24 (second weekend)
~410,000
Total arrested since Oct 17
2,700+
Businesses damaged or looted on Oct 17
4,500+
Paris curfew tonight
23:00 to 06:00 UTC+1
Why people are in the streets
Protests began over fuel prices, then broadened into anger at the cost of living, teacher shortages, and the Bayrou government's proposed 44 billion euro in spending cuts. Yellow Vest activists, trade unions, secondary school students, university students, and climate groups are all marching. Polls show 74 percent of French voters under 30 say politicians do not represent them.
"The day of October 31 presents a very high risk of public disorder. We will tolerate no excesses.
"Laurent Nunez -- French Interior Minister 30 Oct 2026
What is shut or disrupted in Paris today
40+ metro and RER stations closed (all 14 lines affected)
Tram services suspended on key routes
Velib bike-share suspended
Night curfew 23:00-06:00 in Republique and Chatelet-Les Halles districts
Protest march rerouted to outer boulevards only (Porte de Bagnolet to Porte de Charenton)
Halloween masks banned at demonstrations
Eiffel Tower -- open but under heightened security
Charles de Gaulle airport -- operating with increased police presence
The protests have spread across Europe
Youth-led rallies coordinated on TikTok are planned in 46 cities across 9 countries: France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, and Portugal. Germany expects more than 100,000 participants in at least 23 cities. Protesters are urged to wear black clothing to avoid identification. Organizers cite the French protests as inspiration. Last updated 08:02 UTC 31 Oct 2026.
