France deploys 70,000 police as nationwide protests draw hundreds of thousands amid Paris clashes and a suspected terror probe

Summary

France deployed 70,000 police, backed by helicopters, armored vehicles and water cannons, for new protests on Saturday after mass riots and looting the previous week prompted accusations that the government had lost control, according to The Times of Israel. Fox News reports that President Emmanuel Macron blames ultra-left groups for seditious acts, and that UNEF and Yellow Vest protesters vowed to rally despite police rejecting their permit requests, while authorities probe a suspected terror attack near Paris. DW reports that tens of thousands took part, with police and elite security forces out in force and the situation turning tense in several cities, including Paris. France 24 reports that police put turnout at 110,000 for a 'calm' march in Paris, amid reports of clashes in other cities. PBS NewsHour reports that more than 400,000 people protested across France over school funding and soaring living costs, that clashes erupted in Paris as a mass march drew to a close, and that the government said police made nearly 1,000 arrests.

Timeline

1. Fox News

   23 Oct 2026, 20:32 UTCSource ↗

   Fox News reports that France is on edge with 70,000 police deployed for unrest, that authorities are probing a suspected terror attack near Paris, and that Macron blames ultra-left groups for seditious acts as UNEF and Yellow Vest protesters vow to rally despite police rejecting their permit requests.

2. DW

   24 Oct 2026, 06:34 UTCSource ↗

   DW reports that tens of thousands are taking part in a new round of protests, with police and elite security forces out in force in French cities as the situation turns tense.

3. The Times of Israel

   24 Oct 2026, 11:22 UTCSource ↗

   The Times of Israel reports that 70,000 officers are to be deployed, along with helicopters, armored vehicles and water cannons, after mass riots and looting last week prompted accusations that the government had lost control.

4. France 24

   24 Oct 2026, 15:42 UTCSource ↗

   France 24 reports that police say 110,000 people turned out for a 'calm' march in Paris, amid reports of clashes in other cities.

5. PBS NewsHour

   24 Oct 2026, 16:51 UTCSource ↗

   PBS NewsHour reports that more than 400,000 people protested across France over school funding and soaring living costs, challenging President Macron as clashes erupted in Paris at the close of a mass march, and that police made nearly 1,000 arrests, the government said.