France protests begin largely peacefully under heavy police presence

A protester holds a placard depicting a symbol in reference to 'Crass', an English art collective and anarcho-punk band, as another holds a French flag during a demonstration in favor of purchasing power, the protection of public services, and fiscal and social justice, in Paris on October 24, 2026 as part of a nationwide call for mobilisation bringing together former members of the Yellow Vest movement, labor unions, high school and university students. AFP - NICOLAS TUCAT

Fresh demonstrations against the rising cost of living began in a largely peaceful atmosphere across France on Saturday, with protesters calling for better pay and a better future as authorities mounted a major security operation to prevent a repeat of last weekend’s violence.

Police arrested 135 people by midday and fired tear gas during a confrontation in Lyon, but Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said there had been “no major incident” at that stage.