October 24 protests: Paris and Marseille marches, Lyon ban, 70,000 police deployed

French authorities braced for potential violence during nationwide protests on Saturday, October 24, 2026, with only one authorized march in Paris and Marseille and a ban in Lyon. The government deployed 70,000 police and gendarmes amid high tension following last week's riots. A Marseille court partially suspended a protest ban in the Bouches-du-Rhône, allowing gatherings in five towns. In Orléans, the National Rally held its congress as up to 30,000 people attended a counter-rally, with left-wing leaders like Olivier Faure and Sophie Binet present. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu cited elevated threats from the "ultra-left" and delinquency, while Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez faced criticism for last weekend's handling. The protests, involving gilets jaunes, unions, and students, focused on purchasing power and public services.