Politics · 2026-10-24 · Afternoon briefing

French police arrest 135 during nationwide protests

French police arrested 135 people nationwide on Saturday as 70,000 officers were deployed to manage demonstrations by “Yellow Vest” activists, trade unions and students. The heavy security presence was intended to prevent a repeat of the looting and vandalism seen during the previous week's unrest. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stated that despite the arrests, there had been "no major incident".

Officers confiscated an array of makeshift weapons, including metal balls, slingshots, and a katana sword. The protests, focused on the cost of living, grew out of student demonstrations that began over a month ago concerning teacher shortages and school conditions. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a left-wing presidential candidate, urged President Emmanuel Macron to "give in" to demands, warning that protests would now occur "every single week".

While France saw a heavy police response, authorities in Spain reported a much larger gathering in Madrid on the same day. An estimated 250,000 people protested the cost of living and demanded protection for the state pension scheme ahead of next month's parliamentary election.

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• French police arrest more than 1,800 people after violent protests erupt across country
• Macron condemns those who ‘sought to bring down the Republic’ after rioting mars nationwide protests
• France protests latest: Suspect arrested over city hall fire as French PM says curfews are working
• France promises ‘massive’ police presence this weekend as cities impose more curfews after protest violence
• Police clash with protesters during huge demonstrations across France

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