France in Turmoil
Published Saturday, 24 October, 7:16 a.m. ET (1:16 p.m. Paris) · Source: franceinfo, La Télé, Sud Radio
Between 11,000 and 26,000 people marched through Orléans on Saturday, 24 October, against the National Rally congress, according to the prefecture and the organisers. The march began at 4:30 a.m. ET (10:30 a.m. in Orléans) as part of France’s wave of protests.
The National Rally (RN), France’s main opposition party, is holding its 19th congress in Orléans on 24 and 25 October to launch Marine Le Pen’s 2027 presidential campaign. For the wider backdrop, see why France is in crisis.
Key Facts
- Crowd: 11,000 by the Loiret prefecture at midday, 26,000 by organisers; up to 30,000 expected.
- Police: Nearly 3,000 police and gendarmes, armoured vehicles, water cannon, helicopters and drones.
- Curfew: Mayor Serge Grouard set a night curfew for under-15s for two nights.
- Arrests: None reported at the time of the live update.
- Next: Le Pen’s campaign launch speech is due Sunday, 25 October.
- Prediction markets: Polymarket gives Le Pen 46.3% to win the presidency (as of 7:16 a.m. ET).
This story is part of our coverage of the why France is in crisis. Dates, times and how to follow it are in our guide.
In plain English
The National Rally is a nationalist party led in parliament by Marine Le Pen, who is running for president in 2027. Left-wing parties and unions called the march to oppose it, so police are keeping the two camps apart in Orléans, a city south of Paris.
A March Kept Away From the Congress
Dozens of parties, unions and associations called the march under slogans against racism, fascism and imperialism. Its route was changed to avoid the city centre and the congress hall.
Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure, Saint-Denis mayor Bally Bagayoko of the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) and CGT union chief Sophie Binet joined the crowd, according to franceinfo.
A Heavy Police Deployment
Nearly 3,000 police and gendarmes are deployed, including riot police and mobile gendarmes, two Centaure armoured vehicles, water cannon, helicopters and drones. Trams are halted and traffic is restricted in the historic centre.
The prefecture banned the Sunday counter-demonstration. Authorities expect 2,000 to 3,000 “radical elements” to join the protests, and the RN expects 5,000 supporters on Saturday and 10,000 on Sunday.
What the RN Says
RN officials say they are confident and reassured by the security. Privately, some of its elected officials are uneasy, franceinfo reported, and the party told activists to avoid central bars and restaurants.
Jordan Bardella is expected to be re-elected party president on Saturday. Le Pen will speak for about 40 minutes on Sunday around three themes: “renaissance”, “power” and “presidency”.
What Prediction Markets Say
Polymarket, a crypto-based prediction market, prices Le Pen at 46.3% to win France’s next presidential election, with about US$156 million traded on the contract (as of 7:16 a.m. ET). These prices are bets, not polls.
Why we show this: prediction markets turn real-money bets into a live probability that moves within minutes of the news, which is why investors, campaigns and newsrooms in the United States now follow them closely. We show them next to polls and official results, never instead of them.
What It Means for US Readers
France is the euro area’s second-largest economy, and the 2027 race now has a market favourite whose party can draw thousands of opponents in a single day. Street unrest and a populist favourite are the two risks that European investors and US companies with French operations are watching.
What Is Not Known
The real crowd size is disputed, and no independent count exists. It is not yet clear whether the weekend will stay free of arrests, or how the curfew and the Sunday ban will hold.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Rally?
The National Rally (RN) is a nationalist party led in parliament by Marine Le Pen. It is France’s largest opposition party and is holding its 19th congress in Orléans.
How many people marched in Orléans?
The prefecture counted about 11,000 at midday, and organisers claimed 26,000. Authorities had expected up to 30,000 people.
Is there a curfew in Orléans?
Yes. Mayor Serge Grouard announced a night curfew for under-15s for two nights. The prefecture has also banned a Sunday counter-demonstration.
When does Marine Le Pen speak?
She is due to launch her presidential campaign with a speech of about 40 minutes on Sunday, 25 October, before around 10,000 supporters.
Sources: franceinfo live coverage, franceinfo explainer, La Télé, Sud Radio, Polymarket.
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