Euronews on the ground as hundreds of thousands take to the streets of Paris

Updated: 24/10/2026 - 20:51 GMT+2 Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets of Paris as part of major demonstrations against the cost of living crisis, rising fuel prices and the broader student movement. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT These protests come a week after peaceful demonstrations were overshadowed by violence last week. This time around, the government implemented a strict security protocol, meaning the military was even outside some strategic sites in Paris. Still, some clashes took place and more than 1,000 people were arrested. The government has blamed the hard-left France Unbowed (La France Insoumise) party and Jean-Luc Mélenchon for what it says is stoking violence. Speaking to Euronews at the protest, LFI Deputy Mayor of Aubervilliers Guillaume Lescaut rejected the accusation. Meanwhile, students told Euronews that they remained determined to keep protesting and would not be deterred by last week’s violent scenes.