Around 40 arrested as Paris protests over cost of living erupt

Police fired tear gas at demonstrators in central Paris as tens of thousands were expected to protest the cost of living.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 17 Oct 2026 14:44:26 GMT

Police in Paris arrested around 40 people and deployed tear gas as demonstrations against rising living costs and fuel prices unfolded on Saturday, according to multiple outlets.

What happened

At roughly 13:00 BST, a major demonstration was scheduled in central Paris near the Avenue des Champs‑Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe. Police reported that about 40 arrests were made, primarily for carrying weapons or prohibited protective gear, and that enhanced checks were in place. Officers fired tear gas at protesters who had climbed onto monuments and at groups wearing hoods and masks in the Place de la République. In Marseille, trash cans were set alight and clashes with police continued.

What the reports add

The Independent noted that the police presence was especially strong near landmarks and that those sites were excluded from the routes of the two official demonstrations. It also estimated that around 40,000 people could gather in Paris for the protest. CBS News described the use of tear gas to push back protesters throwing fireworks and other objects, and highlighted that the demonstrations were part of a nationwide response to high prices and student grievances. Both outlets reported that the protests began last month in Paris’s northern suburbs, where high‑school students rallied over teacher absences and poor facilities before the movement spread nationwide.

What was said

President Emmanuel Macron appealed for “calm” and urged demonstrators to show “respect for people and property,” as reported by the Independent. Police statements, cited by both the Independent and CBS News, said arrests were made “primarily for carrying weapons or prohibited protective gear.”

How it came about

The current wave of protests follows a series of student‑led actions that began in late September, including school closures and barricades that prompted police use of tear gas at Hélène Boucher high school on October 8 (Felo coverage). Earlier reports documented up to 50,000 students planning a major demonstration on October 6 and highlighted growing injuries and arrests since the movement started (Felo coverage). The protests have been linked to the revival of the “yellow vest” movement and have drawn support from major unions such as the CGT.

Key facts

Around 40 people were arrested in Paris, mainly for carrying weapons or prohibited protective gear. (independent.co.uk)
Police used tear gas on protesters near the Avenue des Champs‑Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe and Place de la République. (cbsnews.com)
President Emmanuel Macron called for calm and respect for people and property. (independent.co.uk)
Protests began last month in Paris’s northern suburbs over school conditions before expanding nationwide. (independent.co.uk)
A major demonstration in Paris was expected to draw about 40,000 participants. (independent.co.uk)

Where accounts differ

Estimated number of protesters in Paris: around 40,000 people could descend upon the city (independent.co.uk); tens of thousands set to participate (independent.co.uk); large numbers of riot police were deployed, but no exact figure given (cbsnews.com)