The key facts

  • On October 24, 2026, Centaure armored vehicles were deployed in Paris and Marseille ahead of demonstrations over the rising cost of living
  • In Paris, an armored vehicle was positioned behind the National Assembly, while in Marseille patrols were accompanied by armored vehicles and a water cannon
  • The measures were taken after clashes, looting and arson in several French cities the previous weekend

Armored vehicles on the streets ahead of demonstrations

French police and gendarmerie deployed Centaure armored vehicles in Paris and Marseille on Saturday, October 24, 2026 — as the authorities prepared for demonstrations sparked by the rising cost of living. Euronews reported this.

What was deployed and where

In Paris, an armored vehicle was positioned behind the building of the National Assembly. In Marseille, security forces patrolled the streets alongside armored vehicles and a water cannon, Euronews noted.

Context and significance

According to Euronews, the reinforcement is linked to fears of a new escalation: over the previous weekend, clashes, looting and arson occurred during protests in several French cities. Editorially, it is notable that the placement of armored vehicles right next to the parliament building indicates how serious the authorities' expectations were; however, the sources do not report either the expected number of participants or the outcomes of the demonstrations themselves — this information was not available at the time of publication. For residents of Paris and Marseille, the practical consequence was a noticeably increased police presence on the streets on the day of the actions.