Why Are There Protests in France? NYT - World By: Lynsey Chutel and Carlos BarragΓ‘n 7 November 2026 at 10:13 For a fourth consecutive Saturday, tens of thousands of people are expected to demonstrate. The authorities hope a large security presence will deter riots. Β© Jeff Pachoud/Agence France-Presse β Getty ImagesForensic officers at the tourism office in Lyon, France, on Oct. 18, the day after the countryβs worst riots in years.