French minister calls protest attacks attempted murder; 1,435 arrests, new rallies set

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported 1,435 arrests during weekend protests on October 24-25, 2026, describing attacks on police as resembling attempted murder, with 267 officers and 150 demonstrators injured. Over 100 arrests involved possession of improvised weapons, including knives, slingshots, and firework launchers. Authorities confiscated items during checks on protesters, while Nuñez noted three demonstrators were seriously injured in Toulouse, Reims, and Clermont-Ferrand. Between 410,000 and 800,000 people protested against rising living costs and defending public services. New demonstrations are planned for October 31 and November 5, with curfews in over ten areas expected to continue.