Political instability in the country has deepened following the recent resignation of Prime Minister François Bayrou over his proposed 2026 budget. The clashes took place during a national strike day called by the main trade union confederations — the first time they’ve coordinated a major event together since 2023.
The demonstration began at Place de la Bastille around noon, with the march setting off at 2:00 pm. The crowd moved north along Boulevard Beaumarchais and reached Place de la République without incident.
Tensions rose as the group continued southeast down Boulevard Voltaire toward Place de la Nation. After a brief standoff on Rue Oberkampf, violence broke out on Boulevard Voltaire and Rue de Sedan. Protesters hurled rocks and pieces of pavement, while police responded with tear gas.
A militant section of the march broke ahead of the main demonstration, then turned back up Voltaire to rejoin the larger group. Police engaged them at Rue de Charonne, firing additional tear gas before launching an aggressive push southward along Voltaire.
At Place de la Nation, police surrounded the square and blocked all exits. Initially, they held a defensive posture, using tear gas and baton charges to contain the crowd. Later, they advanced from all directions and cleared the square, forcing everyone out through a single exit on Avenue du Trône.