French students plan new blockades as cost of living protests grow

Nationwide turnout reaches 320,000 protesters

Approximately 320,000 people participated in protests across France on Saturday, 31 October, marking the third day of demonstrations against the cost of living. This turnout was lower than the 550,000 people who demonstrated on 17 October.

The movement, which began with students in September, now includes unions and the yellow vests. Participants are united against inflation, high fuel prices, and the policies of President Macron’s government.

Authorities implement strict security and financial measures

The French government plans to require protesters to pay for damages resulting from looting and riots. Authorities also warned that rioters might use Halloween masks to conceal their identities.

French police made nearly 300 arrests during the protests, though authorities described the events as having taken place with calm despite some incidents. The top administrative court upheld a ban on a march between Nation and Bastille squares in Paris. Authorities were forced to authorise an alternative route through the eastern boulevards.

Political opposition and public frustration mount

Students, labor unions, and the yellow vests movement are united in their opposition to the Macron government's policies and the rising cost of living. Jean-Luc Mélenchon led the protest in Paris, while Marine Le Pen currently leads the polls for the presidential elections scheduled for April.

Students, labour unions, and the yellow vests movement remain united in their opposition to government policies. Jerome Rodriguez, a protester in Paris, told Reuters that the economy is performing poorly. He described the government as a group of incompetents playing with billions while families struggle to make ends meet.

Economic pressure on French public debt

This decision follows concerns regarding the country's finances.

French public debt is nearing 120% of gross domestic product. This level of debt creates pressure on the government to reduce public spending.

Protests against living costs expand into Germany

Demonstrations against the cost of living have expanded into Germany. More than 180,000 people participated in youth-led protests across 34 cities, according to the initiative GenZ-regelt.

Organisers anticipated over 170,000 people would join the protests regarding education funding and living costs. Authorities deployed thousands of police officers and boarded up storefronts in major cities.

Protesters are demanding investment in education, social security, healthcare, and climate protection. They are also opposing the potential return of compulsory military service.

German police suspended a march in Cologne and deployed water cannons. Officers took action after participants used pyrotechnic materials and covered their faces.

China increases maritime pressure near Taiwan

Beijing claims the 31 October 2026 patrol was a routine law enforcement operation to ensure shipping safety, while Taipei accuses China of harassing civilian vessels and attempting to unlawfully extend its jurisdiction. Taiwan dispatched its own patrol vessel, the Ji An, to monitor the Chinese coastguard group operating off the east coast.

Chinese coastguard activity along Taiwan's east coast has increased significantly since June 2026.

During a confrontation near the Pratas Islands on 31 October 2026, the distance between a Taiwanese Coastguard vessel and the Chinese ship No. 3102 narrowed to approximately one nautical mile. As of 1 November 2026, there is no naval blockade of Taiwan, though Beijing continues to increase pressure on the island's maritime traffic through regular patrols and radio warnings.

Poland faces deepening constitutional power struggle

President Karol Nawrocki returned to Warsaw late on Friday, cutting short an official visit to Senegal. Upon returning, he held emergency discussions with Supreme Court First President Zbigniew Kapinski.

A deepening power struggle concerning the Constitutional Tribunal has prompted warnings from Washington. Opposition leaders have increased their rhetoric and are demanding that their supporters converge on the Constitutional Tribunal.

Timeline of the protest movement

Demonstrations that began in September regarding school conditions have expanded to include broader protests against economic hardship and fuel prices. The movement has seen repeated Saturday actions across major French cities.

Incidents were reported at the conclusion of demonstrations in Paris, Marseille, Rennes, Lyon, Nantes, and Toulouse.