Major Protests and Security Measures Across France

On October 23, 2026, major museums in Paris closed as authorities prepared for new protests across France, following the previous week’s violent unrest. The Interior Minister of France, Laurent Nuñez, announced the deployment of up to 70,000 officers nationwide, supported by helicopters, armored vehicles, and water cannons.

A significant turnout is expected, with more than half a million citizens participating in protests last week. Shops along the Champs-Elysees have taken precautions by barricading their premises in anticipation of the planned demonstrations. Museums such as the Louvre, Orsay, Picasso Museum, and Grand Palais have shut their doors. Art Basel, a renowned contemporary art fair, opened briefly on Friday but canceled its weekend program due to safety concerns.

Parisian shopkeepers spent the week securing their stores. Near Place de la République, businesses, including a bank, reinforced their storefronts with wooden panels to prevent looting. Last weekend, approximately 3,000 shops across France suffered damage or theft as demonstrations quickly spread from protests by high school students in southeast Paris demanding better conditions to nationwide demands for relief from the rising cost of living.

Protests are scheduled in cities like Paris and Marseille; however, local authorities have banned rallies in Lyon, Nice, and Montpellier. Cities beyond Paris also experienced significant unrest, such as a suspected arson incident threatening the historic city hall in Limoges.

Around 50 organizations, including labor unions, left-wing parties, and student groups, have joined forces to protest against far-right political ideologies. These protests align with the two-day congress of Marine Le Pen’s nationalist, anti-immigration party, preceding the upcoming presidential election next spring.