Fresh wave of protests sweeps France, targeting Macron and Le Pen
Protests in France continue unabated (photo: Getty Images)
Large-scale nationwide demonstrations against the rising cost of living continued across France on October 24. Latest figures indicate that police have arrested more than 130 people, according to BFMTV and France 24.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced the arrest toll. He officially confirmed that 135 people had been arrested so far.
The French minister said police had seized metal balls, lead pellets, fireworks, slingshots, steel balls, homemade weapons, a katana, and airsoft guns.
Nuñez also added that 136 demonstrations were taking place in the streets, compared with twice as many at the same time last Saturday.
Protesters in #France demand #Macron's resignation and Le #Pen's imprisonment as new wave of demonstrations sweeps the country
— RBC-Ukraine (@NewsUkraineRBC) October 24, 2026
Large-scale nationwide demonstrations against the rising cost of living continued across #France on October 24. According to the latest figures, police… pic.twitter.com/YKG2iqyMWW
According to the latest figures, 35,000 people took to public spaces to protest on October 24, compared with 60,000 on October 17.
In addition, people in Orléans are reportedly protesting against a National Rally party convention, whose de facto leader, Marine Le Pen, is currently the most popular presidential candidate. Marchers chanted anti-fascist slogans.
"Macron resign! Le Pen in prison!" protesters shouted.
Demonstrators also held signs reading "The Youth say 'screw you' to the National Rally" and "Hotter than fascists."
Police say around 11,000 people took part in the demonstration.
Ahead of the new wave of protests, luxury boutiques in France covered their lavish storefronts with wooden boards and hired private security.
Some stores decided to remain closed even after the weekend, when rioters looted retail outlets in various parts of the country.
RBC-Ukraine previously reported that France had deployed 70,000 police officers amid the new wave of protests.
We also reported that French President Emmanuel Macron planned to ban "illegitimate" protests soon.
In addition, it emerged that France would investigate possible Russian involvement in the street unrest.
