Paris France Nationwide Protests Demonstrators move around a fallen metal barrier and scattered debris in a street in Paris, France on October 17, 2026. The demonstrations follow a student-led protest movement that began in the Paris suburb of Creteil on September 17 over school staffing and conditions, later expanding to broader concerns over living costs and public services. On October 17, authorities counted about 550,000 demonstrators nationwide, while organizers estimated 800,000; clashes in Paris included tear gas, fires, looting and damage to shops. Paris Ile-de-France France