FRANCE'S 2026 PROTESTS

Situation as of 19 October 2026. A developing story; check current reporting before relying on any figure. Main sources: Al Jazeera (17–18 Oct and 30 Sep 2026), AP via CBS News (18 Oct 2026), and figures reported by the Interior and Education ministries and unions.

Mid-Sep 2026  Students blockade a lycée in Créteil (Paris suburbs): teacher
              shortages, overcrowded classes, dilapidated buildings, heat.
29 Sep        Public-sector strike over the 2027 budget: ~300,000 (unions);
              30,000 in Paris (police). Protests at 400+ schools.
1 Oct         1,027 of ~3,700 lycées affected, 222 blockaded (Interior Ministry).
6 Oct         Nationwide day: 450,000 (unions) vs 250,000 (government).
13 Oct        480,000 (youth unions) vs 161,500 (ministry).
17 Oct        550,000 (government; 110,000 in Paris) vs 800,000 (organisers).
              Yellow vests and unions join; Limoges city hall set on fire.
17–18 Oct     At least 1,800 arrests; 500+ police, gendarmes and firefighters
              injured; one death (heart attack, Paris) — AP, 18 Oct.

The 2027 budget
  Package     €54 billion of cost cuts and tax measures (Al Jazeera)
  Pay         civil-service pay index frozen for a 4th year (unions)
  Borrowing   government borrowing costs highest in 20+ years
Next          presidential election due April 2027