France: Protests over the cost of living intensify in Paris and several cities this Saturday

Former Yellow Vest protesters, high school and university students, environmental activists, and farmers demonstrated in several French cities on October 17, 2026, over the rising cost of living. About 400 people marched in Guéret; Franck, a civil servant who took part in the 2018 protests, decried rising prices and fuel costs that have not been matched by wage increases. High school student Valentin welcomed solidarity across generations and defended blockades as a means of pressure. CNews reported 272 arrests, while the final tally for the day had yet to be established.