Police detained nearly 1,000 people across France on Saturday, 24 October, during a second weekend of nationwide protests, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said. We follow the unrest in our Europe political crisis coverage.
The Interior Ministry counted about 410,000 marchers, while the CGT union put the number at about 800,000. For US readers, France is a NATO ally and a major economy, so a long crisis there reaches trade, security and Ukraine policy.
Key Facts
- Detentions: Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported nearly 1,000 people detained in France, with the figure expected to rise.
- Police: About 70,000 police and gendarmes were deployed across the country.
- Turnout: The Interior Ministry counted about 410,000; the CGT union said about 800,000.
- Next date: The CGT and other unions have called a strike for 5 November.
- Beyond France: Italian police took 371 people in for questioning on Saturday, and Albania’s protests have left 320 injured since 13 October.
This story is part of our coverage of the europe political crisis. Dates, times and how to follow it are in our guide.
Nearly 1,000 Detained in France
Police detained nearly 1,000 people on Saturday, 24 October, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, who expected the number to rise. Police used tear gas and water cannon in Paris, and tear gas in Limoges.
About 70,000 police and gendarmes were deployed nationwide. Nuñez said most marches went well, although shops were looted in some cities.
The Interior Ministry counted about 410,000 demonstrators nationwide, including 110,000 in Paris. The CGT union said about 800,000 took part nationally and 250,000 in the capital, so the two counts remain far apart.
A Strike Set for 5 November
The CGT union has called a strike for 5 November, and other unions have joined the call. It was announced after unions met Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu on 21 October.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the left-wing party La France Insoumise, said it was time for President Emmanuel Macron to yield. He added that after that, only the exit door would remain.
The Interior Ministry counted about 550,000 marchers on the previous Saturday, 17 October, so this weekend’s count is lower. The CGT’s own figure was about 800,000 on both days.
Italy and Albania Also See Protests
In Italy, police said they made nine arrests and took 371 people in for questioning on Saturday, 110 of them minors. Marches took place in cities including Milan, Rome, Turin, Bologna and Florence.
Albania’s protests are older and separate. Its health ministry counted 320 people injured between 13 and 21 October, including 192 police officers.
Grievances differ by country, so these are separate protests, not one coordinated movement.
What It Means for US Readers
France is a NATO ally and the European Union’s second-largest economy. A long political crisis in Paris could complicate transatlantic coordination on trade, security and Ukraine.
A strike wave could also disrupt European transport and supply chains that US companies rely on. The next test is the 5 November strike.
What Is Not Known
The final French detention total is not known, because Nuñez expected it to rise. Turnout remains disputed, with the ministry and the CGT about 390,000 apart.
It is not known whether the government will make concessions or how many people will join the strike. We found no fresh national poll and no active prediction market on the French protests.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people protested in France on 24 October?
The Interior Ministry counted about 410,000 demonstrators nationwide, including 110,000 in Paris. The CGT union said about 800,000 nationally and 250,000 in Paris.
How many people were detained in France?
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said nearly 1,000 people were detained and expected the figure to rise. The final total was not known.
Is there a strike planned in France?
The CGT and other unions have called a strike for 5 November. Jean-Luc Mélenchon of La France Insoumise said it was time for President Macron to yield.
What happened in Italy and Albania?
Italian police took 371 people in for questioning on Saturday, 110 of them minors. In Albania, 320 people were injured between 13 and 21 October, according to the health ministry.
What happens next in France?
The strike called for 5 November is the next fixed date. No government concessions had been reported.
Sources: French Interior Ministry statements and counts as reported by France 24, franceinfo and Euronews, CGT and union announcements, Italian police statement via ANSA, Albanian health ministry, read 24–25 October 2026.
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief
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