Tear Gas Used as Protests Erupt in France Amid Rising Tensions

Protests broke out across France on October 24, 2026, as demonstrators marched against racism, fascism, and imperialism. This coincided with a congress of the far-right party, Rassemblement National, in Orleans, where tensions were high ahead of their campaign rally.

In Lyon, police used tear gas to disperse around 150 protesters who attempted to block a road, despite a ban on demonstrations in the city center. Authorities were on high alert, with many shops boarding up windows and museums like the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay closing their doors.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stated that 70,000 security personnel were deployed to prevent violence, following clashes and looting during previous protests. Many in the crowd shouted slogans against both far-right leader Marine Le Pen and President Emmanuel Macron, expressing frustration over rising living costs.

The protests reflect growing public anger, fueled by inflation and dissatisfaction with government policies. Macron has attributed recent violence to “ultra-left” groups, while critics argue that his administration has ignored the concerns of ordinary citizens.

In Paris, streets were quieter than usual as many stores remained closed or boarded up. Police had moved a planned union march to a less central location, but some groups, like the Yellow Vest movement, refused to comply with the restrictions.

Authorities have faced criticism for banning protests in several cities, with Amnesty International warning that these measures threaten the right to peaceful demonstration. Human Rights Watch emphasized the need for police to protect both the right to protest and public safety.