High Cost of Living Protest - Paris AJ A protesters holds a smoke flare and a French national flag during a demonstration to protest against the high cost of living , at Place de la Republique in Paris on October 17, 2026 as part of a nationwide call for mobilisation bringing together various groups expressing their anger: former Yellow Vest , secondary school and university students, climate activists and even farmers. After weeks of student protests, France faces broader, nationwide demonstrations on October 17, 2026 over the cost of living, setting up a potentially fraught six months heading into a presidential election. A police source told AFP that authorities estimated nearly 200,000 people could take part, with 40,000 in Paris. Pho