French police arrest 121 people during nationwide anti-cost-of-living protests

French authorities arrested 121 people during nationwide protests on November 14, 2026, as demonstrators reacted to government policies and rising costs. The demonstrations, which were part of a fifth wave of anti-cost-of-living actions, resulted in clashes between protesters and security forces in multiple cities.

Scale of nationwide demonstrations

The total number of participants in the protests remains a subject of varying estimates from different sources. BFMTV reported that approximately 106,000 people participated in the demonstrations across the country. However, student and labor unions estimated the total number of participants reached 200,000 people. According to these union estimates, 100,000 of those participants were located in Paris.

In Paris, security sources estimated that between 30,000 and 60,000 people participated in the demonstrations. These sources also identified between 300 and 600 people as potential security risks within the capital. The French Ministry of Interior reported 121 total arrests across the country during the day of demonstrations.

Police deployment and arrests

Authorities deployed approximately 70,000 police and gendarmes to manage the protests. This deployment matches the number of security personnel used during the previous three days of protests that began on October 24. In Paris, 22 people were arrested, a group that included 3 minors.

The French Ministry of Interior reported that the reasons for these arrests included carrying weapons, using offensive slogans, violating bans on restricted areas, or participating in unauthorized demonstrations. During the clashes, police used tear gas in Paris to manage the crowds. In Nantes, security forces used water cannons during the demonstrations, according to reports.

Protest motivations and organization

The demonstrations were organized in response to several factors, including government policies, rising prices, and perceived police violence. Le Monde reported that between 50 and 60 protest marches were organized across France on November 14, 2026. These marches were part of a fifth wave of anti-cost-of-living actions occurring throughout the country.

The protests reflect ongoing tensions regarding the economic situation and government responses to inflation. The scale of the mobilization, particularly the estimate of 200,000 participants provided by student and labor unions, highlights the breadth of the anti-cost-of-living movement currently affecting France.

Glossary

• French Ministry of Interior — The French Ministry of Interior is a government body. It reported the total number of arrests during the demonstrations.
• gendarmes — Gendarmes are security forces. They were deployed to manage the protests.
• labor unions — Labor unions are organizations that provide estimates regarding the number of protest participants. They are one of the groups focused on goals such as strengthening unions and promoting higher education.