French unions plan more protests and strike as Macron faces fiscal limits
French protest groups and unions called for further demonstrations on Sunday, October 26, 2026, aiming to sustain pressure on the government after a large security operation contained unrest during nationwide rallies on Saturday. The Interior Ministry reported 410,000 participants in Saturday's marches, with 70,000 police deployed to prevent looting seen on October 17. Labour leaders urged more protests next Saturday and a nationwide strike on November 5, citing spreading anger over wages, living costs, and public services. President Emmanuel Macron faces strained public finances and a minority government ahead of April's mandate expiry, limiting concessions. Police unions warned of staffing shortages, while protests also sparked clashes in Belgium, Albania, and Italy.