October 31 protests: 70,000 police deployed as CGT changes route

France is holding the third round of protests against the rising cost of living on October 31, 2026, with nearly 350 actions expected to draw 350,000 to 450,000 people. Around 70,000 police officers and gendarmes have been deployed as authorities warn of possible violence similar to that seen on October 17. The Council of State overturned approval of the Bastille–Nation route and upheld the prefecture’s route from Porte de Bagnolet to Porte de Charenton, forcing the CGT to adapt. Masks are prohibited near demonstrations, and preventive checks have been conducted at train stations.