Article · Geopolitics · Money and markets
About half a million marched across France on 17 October 2026 and nearly 1,800 were arrested. It began with schools and reached diesel and prices
On 17 October 2026, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, nearly 1,800 people were arrested across France, more than 500 police officers, gendarmes and firefighters were injured, the city hall in Limoges was set on fire and about 1,500 shops were damaged. Authorities counted about 550,000 marchers and organisers about 800,000. The movement started on 18 September with lycée students demanding more teachers and smaller classes. On 17 October unions and the "yellow vests" joined over the cost of living and fuel. President Emmanuel Macron was due to address the nation at 8 p.m. French time on 18 October; what he said is not in this text.
On 17 October about 550,000 people marched across France according to the authorities, and about 800,000 according to the organisers. Afterwards Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported nearly 1,800 arrests and more than 500 injured police officers, gendarmes and firefighters. The city hall in Limoges was set on fire.
By the organisers' count it was the biggest day of protest this autumn, but not the first. It did not start with prices. It started with schools.