25 October, 2026, 05:45 pm
Last modified: 25 October, 2026, 05:49 pm
Thousands of people have taken to the streets across France over rising living costs, heavy taxation, and poor school conditions, despite a massive police deployment and nearly 1,000 arrests. From Paris to Marseille, clashes erupted as authorities mobilised around 70,000 police officers nationwide.Attendance estimates ranged from 410,000, according to the Interior Ministry, to 800,000, according to trade unions. The unrest comes six months before France's presidential election, putting President Emmanuel Macron and his administration under growing political pressure.With demonstrations continuing despite arrests and restrictions, questions remain over how the government will respond to public anger.