Trump cites French protests in warning to Kansas voters: ‘Never happening here’

As of October 20, 2026, France is grappling with widespread protests and riots over rising living costs and poor school conditions. More than 160,000 students took to the streets on Tuesday in what has become a nationwide movement against teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and crumbling infrastructure. The unrest has escalated into violent clashes between protesters and police, leading to mass arrests and hundreds of injuries. In response, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced partial curfews in four northern cities including Lille, while Paris imposed an overnight curfew in two central areas from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Demonstrators are calling for further protests on November 5, adding to concerns about prolonged social and economic instability as France prepares for presidential elections six months later.