Paris protest route changed at last minute as demonstrations spread across France and Europe

Summary

Thousands marched in Paris and other French cities on 24 October as the mobilisation spread into protests across Europe. The Paris police prefecture changed the route of the authorised trade union march at the last minute, to a course between Place d'Italie and Porte de Vincennes. Many protesters had already gone to Place de la Bastille, the march's original starting point, and were left confused about where to go, France 24 reports. The Guardian reports that French police made 135 arrests, that Italian officers raided homes in Milan, and that demonstrations also took place in Spain and Albania. One charity worker quoted at the Paris march said she had come out to support schoolchildren's demands for better conditions.

Timeline

1. France 24

   24 Oct 2026, 10:29 UTCSource ↗

   France 24 reports that the Paris police prefecture changed the route of the authorised trade union march at the last minute, to a route between Place d'Italie and Porte de Vincennes, leaving protesters who had gone to Place de la Bastille, the original starting point, confused about where to go.

2. The Guardian

   24 Oct 2026, 14:14 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that French police made 135 arrests as thousands marched in Paris and protests took place across Europe, that Italian officers raided homes in Milan, and that protests were also taking place in Spain and Albania.