Yellow Vests and students unite in Montpellier for October 17 protest

On Saturday, October 17, 2026, a national mobilization in Montpellier unites Yellow Vests, students, and unions to protest purchasing power, wages, pensions, and public services, with a rally set for 2 p.m. at Place de la Comédie. The protest follows weeks of blockades at several Montpellier high schools and universities, where young people denounce precarious conditions and education access. The CGT, Solidaires 34, and the SCUM union support the event, aiming to bridge generations against high living costs and social inequality. The prefecture has banned marches in the city center from noon to 8 p.m. due to past incidents, potentially disrupting transit and parking. Some shopkeepers plan to cover windows with white sheets to highlight their own struggles without closing.