Demonstrators protest high cost of living in Dijon
Between 4,500 and 7,000 demonstrators gathered in Dijon on Saturday, October 24, 2026, defying prefectural bans to stage a fresh day of protests against the rising cost of living, france3-regions reported.
Authorities and Unions Dispute Protest Turnout Numbers
The mobilizations followed a previous Saturday turnout on October 17, 2026, which had drawn more than 5,000 people to Dijon. For the October 24 demonstrations, authorities enacted strict containment measures. The Côte-d’Or prefecture counted approximately 4,500 protesters in the city. Meanwhile, the Solidaires 21 union tallied 7,000 participants in the Cité des Ducs.
Prefectural authorities prohibited all demonstrations concerning the cost of living or high school student movements across several regional city centers, including Dijon, Auxerre, and Nevers. In Mâcon and Chalon-sur-Saône, officials instituted curfews for unaccompanied minors alongside existing bans. Emmanuel Macron declared opposition to unapproved demonstrations during an intelligence briefing on Thursday, October 22, stating that only union-backed processions would be permitted.
Barricades, Tear Gas, and Police Cordons Across Dijon
Tensions flared in the Olympe de Gouge sector of Dijon, where demonstrators erected barricades and launched mortar fire toward law enforcement officers before retreating toward Place de la République. In response, CRS forces deployed tear gas canisters to contain the crowds and block access to the pedestrianized city center.
Police and gendarmerie forces maintained tight perimeters throughout the city, restricting protesters to locations such as Place du 30 Octobre and Avenue du Drapeau, where tramway passenger shelters sustained damage. Authorities also deployed a heavy security apparatus around the Toison d’Or shopping center to monitor entrances and exits.
🚨 Samedi 24 octobre : Aucune manifestation « contre la vie chère » ou dans le prolongement du mouvement lycéen n’a été régulièrement déclarée en Côte-d’Or pour ce samedi 24 octobre📢 La liberté de manifester est fondamentale. Elle s’exerce toutefois dans le respect de la loi… pic.twitter.com/giHzCV32Kk
Tram Networks Shift to Buses as Shops Close
Public transportation felt an immediate impact from the demonstrations and an independent strike notice filed by the UNSA union at Keolis. The Divia tram network operated normally until 1:00 PM before transitioning to replacement buses running at 15-minute intervals. Officials warned that fixed schedules could not be guaranteed.
In the city center along Rue de la Liberté, numerous shopkeepers chose to shut their doors and board up storefronts. The prefecture had previously advised local merchants via its SMS Alerte Commerce network to secure properties, clear potential projectiles from exteriors, and prepare for mandatory closures.
National Call for Rallies After Prefectural Bans
Denouncing what they termed government contempt and restrictions on public liberties, representatives from the coordination of Gilets jaunes announced a national call to action. They scheduled a demonstration for October 31 before the National Assembly and local town halls.
Gatherings were also announced in Beaune, Le Creusot, and Sens, organized largely through social media calls without designated leaders. As police monitored the shifting routes through Boulevard Thiers and Rue de Gray toward the Auditorium, local authorities maintained regional security measures through the weekend.