On October 24, 2026, French police dispersed with tear gas about 150 protesters who had gathered at the University of Lyon 3. The action took place in an area where protests are banned, amid continuing tension in France after a weekend of riots, arson and looting in several cities.
France has introduced the Prix Pascal literary prize for works created by humans together with artificial intelligence. Authors from any country may participate; applications are accepted until November 30, and the winner will be announced in early December. The prize emerged against the backdrop of the scandal surrounding Thélisson Aurélien, who was removed from the Goncourt Prize shortlist over suspicions of using AI.
On October 24, 2026, French police and gendarmerie used Centaure armored vehicles in Paris and Marseille amid planned demonstrations over the rising cost of living. In Paris, an armored vehicle stood near the National Assembly building, while in Marseille law enforcement patrolled the streets with armored vehicles and a water cannon.
At the congress in Orléans, Jordan Bardella was re-elected chairman of the National Rally party, receiving 98.98% of the vote with turnout of about 68%. He called on activists to help Marine Le Pen win the 2027 presidential election. On Sunday, Le Pen is due to officially launch her campaign. A protest march in Orléans passed without incident: police estimated 11,000 participants, organisers 26,000.
Mass demonstrations were held in Paris against the cost-of-living crisis, rising fuel prices, and in support of the student movement. Despite heightened security measures involving the military, clashes broke out; sources give differing estimates of the number of arrests — around 1,000 or more than 1,000 people. The government accuses La France Insoumise and Jean-Luc Mélenchon of inciting violence, which the party rejects.
Storm Austin, approaching France, has left 161,000 households without electricity, mostly in Brittany. 23 departments in the northwest of the country have been placed on orange alert due to strong winds, ferry service to England has been suspended, and rail traffic is disrupted.
According to an Ifop poll published on October 21, 2026, leader of the National Rally Marine Le Pen could win a decisive victory in the 2027 French presidential election. In a hypothetical second round against Jean-Luc Mélenchon, she receives 68% of the vote, showing a maximum advantage of 36 points. In the first round, her support is estimated at 34–38%. At the same time, the approval rating of incumbent President Emmanuel Macron has fallen to 15%, and the figures of candidates of the political center are declining.
Duncan Capps, commander of the UK Home Office Border Force, said that around 3,800 migrants are in two camps in northern France awaiting crossing to Britain — nearly twice the usual number. Meanwhile, the number of Channel crossings this year has fallen by 43%.
Protests that began in November with high school students' actions have spread to Paris, Marseille and Lyon. Reports indicate riots, arson and more than 2,400 detained. The crisis is unfolding against the backdrop of economic problems and six months before the 2027 presidential elections, where far-right and far-left forces are gaining ground.
New demonstrations against the rising cost of living and for better conditions in schools will take place in France on Saturday. The authorities are mobilizing 70,000 security personnel, closing the Louvre and other museums, and restricting march routes. In Orléans, a counter-demonstration is expected amid the National Rally congress attended by Marine Le Pen. New demonstrations against the rising cost of living and for better conditions in schools will take place in France on Saturday. The authorities are mobilizing 70,000 security personnel, closing the Louvre and other museums, and restricting march routes. In Orléans, a counter-demonstration is expected against the backdrop of Marine Le Pen's National Rally congress.
Meteo-France declared an orange alert level in 15 departments of western and northern France ahead of Storm Aurore. Winds of up to 140 km/h are expected, heavy rains in Brittany and Normandy, and over the weekend the bad weather may affect the Île-de-France region, including Paris.
Paris museums the Louvre, Orsay and the Picasso Museum will not operate on Saturday amid new nationwide demonstrations. The Ministry of Culture ordered measures to ensure the safety of visitors, staff and artworks. Authorities are stepping up security: the number of security personnel will be 20% higher than on October 17, and Macron announced a ban on demonstrations not organized by unions.
On 23 October 2026, Storm Austin brought winds of up to 160 km/h, heavy rain and high waves to the coasts of France and the United Kingdom. Brittany, Cornwall and Devon were the hardest hit: in the harbour of Lanildut a pleasure boat capsized, and in Rennes and Hayle roads were closed due to fallen trees and branches.
The yield on 10-year French government bonds exceeded 5% for the first time since 2002, the spread over German bonds is above 170 bps, and the cost of credit default swaps has reached its highest level since 2012. The ECB, as expected, is likely to keep rates unchanged at its next meeting. Christine Lagarde said that solving France's debt problems lies within France itself. Moody's, markets expect, may downgrade France's rating to A1 on Friday evening.
Ahead of a weekend of demonstrations in Lyon and Orléans, business owners are reinforcing windows and removing goods. In Orléans, where the National Rally congress will be held, 20,000–30,000 protesters are expected, and nearly 3,000 police officers will be deployed.
Storm Austin, which rapidly intensified over the Atlantic, struck Brittany, Normandy and the Hauts-de-France region. Gusts at the Pointe du Raz cape reached 161 km/h, about 161,000 households were left without electricity, several railway routes were suspended and bridges in Seine-Maritime were closed. The storm is now moving towards the British Isles and Germany (where it is named 'Louise'). Earlier, storm 'Adam' claimed at least six lives in Spain and southern France.
The Metz prosecutor's office confirmed the deaths of two people in the crash of a French Air Force Mirage 2000D fighter jet that was on a training flight. The aircraft from the Nancy-Ochey base crashed late on Tuesday evening in the Meurthe-et-Moselle department. The cause is being investigated, and a judicial inquiry has been opened.
The eurozone composite PMI fell in October to 51.9 from 53.1 in September — a four-month low. France showed the sharpest deterioration among the largest economies: its PMI dropped to 48.4, and companies' expectations were the worst since April 2020. Experts link this to political instability and rising government borrowing costs. Germany remains in growth territory but is slowing due to more expensive raw materials and energy. The yield on French 10-year bonds reached its highest level since 200