Police fire tear gas as new French protests kick off
French police deployed tear gas against protesters in multiple cities during demonstrations against the high cost of living and the far-right Rassemblement National party. Authorities have mobilized 70,000 officers to maintain order amid concerns over potential rioting.
Why it matters
The unrest highlights growing social and economic instability in France, exacerbated by political polarization and inflationary pressures.
Police fire tear gas as new French protests kick off left Protesters march along the Avenue Jean Zay during a demonstration "against racism, fascism and imperialism" on October 24, 2026 AFP AFP https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/qnws98/article71619957.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/AFP__20261024__D4AT878__v1__HighRes__FranceSocialPoliticsDemo.jpg SIMON WOHLFAHRT Protesters march along the Avenue Jean Zay during a demonstration "against racism, fascism and imperialism" on the sidelines of the Congress of the Far-right party Rassemblement National (RN) in Orleans, central France on October 24, 2026. Amid another Saturday of protests under tight security across France, Orleans is hosting the National congress of the Far-right party Rassemblement National and preparing for a record-breaking demonstration, on the eve of their first major campaign rally.
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