Pyrénées-Orientales Protests: Saturday 31 October 2026  

Demonstrations, sit-ins and protest gatherings are planned across France this weekend as the Gilets Jaunes movement continues its campaign against the rising cost of living. In the Pyrénées-Orientales, several actions have already been announced for Saturday 31 October, with possible disruption in Perpignan.

Following two consecutive weekends of demonstrations on 17 and 24 October, protesters are preparing for a third day of action, known as Act III. This time, the movement is placing particular emphasis on defending civil liberties, including the right to demonstrate.

With further protests planned for Friday evening and a nationwide trade union strike scheduled for Thursday 5 November, the coming days could see continued disruption across France.

Friday 30 October: Protesters intend to make their voices heard

Before Saturday’s demonstrations, the Gilets Jaunes coordination has called for casserolades — noisy gatherings in which participants bang pots and pans to make their opposition heard.

The first gathering is scheduled for 6pm outside the National Assembly in Paris, followed by calls for similar actions across France from 7pm.

People are being encouraged to take part outside town halls, in the streets, or even from their windows and balconies.

The organisers say the protests are a response to what they see as increasingly restrictive measures affecting public demonstrations and access to city centres. They want to draw attention to what they consider threats to civil liberties and the right to protest.

We cannot confirm all local participation at this time n the Pyrénées-Orientales as this article has been compiled from information currently available on Tuesday 27th,  but we have put together below some links to check local announcements for details of any gatherings planned near them.

Where to find the latest information

Several protest actions have been announced in the Pyrénées-Orientales for Saturday 31 October, including gatherings in Perpignan, Céret and Prades. However, plans and local restrictions may change. Residents are advised to check announcements from the ⁠local news outlets below before travelling.

Official information
** ⁠Préfecture des Pyrénées-Orientales**
The prefecture publishes official announcements about demonstrations, police measures and restrictions. It is particularly useful for checking whether any areas of Perpignan are subject to restrictions.
** ⁠Perpignan Town Hall – Official website**
Useful for municipal announcements, local events and changes affecting the town centre.
** ⁠Perpignan Town Hall – Press releases**

Media
** ⁠L’Indépendant**
The regional newspaper that published the original report. Readers can check for updates on Perpignan and the wider Pyrénées-Orientales.
** ⁠ICI Roussillon**
Local radio and news coverage, which can be useful for updates affecting residents and motorists.
** ⁠Perpignan Actualité – Report on the 31 October mobilisation**
A specific local report published on 27 October. It lists the announced gatherings in Perpignan and also mentions sit-ins planned in Céret and Prades.

Saturday 31 October: What we know so far for the Pyrénées-Orientales?

(Subject to change. Keep an eye on links above)

Saturday’s Act III is expected to bring together protesters across France, with the Yellow Vests movement calling for action in defence of public freedoms.

More than 400 actions had already been listed nationwide by midday on Monday 26 October, according to the website used by the movement.

In the Pyrénées-Orientales, several gatherings have been announced, particularly in Perpignan.

Perpignan: Three planned actions

The following events have been announced for Saturday:

• 2pm: Sit-in outside Perpignan Town Hall. Participants are expected to gather in front of the mairie.
• 2.30pm: Carré d’Or shopping centre. A further action is planned at the shopping centre.
• 5.30pm: Porte d’Espagne shopping area. Another gathering is scheduled for the late afternoon.

There may also be demonstrations in Perpignan city centre, as seen during the previous two Saturdays.

The exact format and scale of these actions remain uncertain. Residents and visitors should therefore check for local updates before travelling, particularly if they intend to visit the city centre or the shopping areas concerned.

What about the Aude?

Protests have also been announced in the neighbouring Aude department.

In Narbonne, a demonstration is listed for 1pm outside the theatre, followed by a sit-in outside the town hall at 2pm.

In Carcassonne, a sit-in is also scheduled for 2pm outside the mairie.

These events form part of the wider national mobilisation, although the number of participants expected at each location is not yet clear.

Why are people protesting?

The demonstrations follow two large weekends of mobilisation against the cost of living and government policies.

The Gilets Jaunes  movement has continued to call for action as households face pressure on their budgets. For Saturday’s third round of protests, however, organisers are also highlighting the defence of public freedoms.

They argue that restrictions on demonstrations and measures limiting access to some city centres threaten the right to protest.

The scale of the previous demonstrations suggests that the movement remains active. According to the figures reported by L’Indépendant between 550,000 and 800,000 people took part nationwide on 17 October, with a similarly large turnout reported on 24 October.

The second weekend passed without major incidents, following violence during the demonstrations on 17 October.

It remains to be seen whether Saturday’s events will attract comparable numbers.

Thursday 5 November: Trade unions announce strike action

The protests are not limited to the Yellow Vests movement. Five major trade unions — the CGT, CFDT, FO, UNSA and FSU — have also called for a nationwide day of strikes and demonstrations on Thursday 5 November.

Their campaign focuses on wages, public services, employment and industry.

Among their main demands are:

• Higher wages, pensions and the minimum wage.
• An increase in the index point used to calculate public-sector employees’ pay.
• Greater investment in public services.
• Fairer taxation.
• An industrial policy designed to bring more production back to France and reduce its carbon emissions.

The unions want the government to take action to improve purchasing power, protect employment and strengthen public services.

Whether the 5 November mobilisation will lead to widespread strike action remains to be seen. However, the involvement of several major unions means that transport, public services and other sectors could be affected, depending on the level of participation.

Residents should look out for further announcements about possible local strikes and demonstrations.

What should you know before heading out?

For anyone planning to be in Perpignan or the surrounding area this weekend, a little preparation may help avoid unnecessary inconvenience.

Check local announcements before travelling. The gatherings have been announced, but their precise arrangements and scale may change.

Allow extra time for journeys. Demonstrations can affect traffic, pedestrian access and parking, particularly around town centres and shopping areas.

Check shopping plans. The announced actions at Carré d’Or and Porte d’Espagne could affect access to nearby businesses, although the extent of any disruption is not yet known.

Look out for updates on public transport. Any changes to bus services or other transport arrangements will depend on local conditions and official announcements.

Keep an eye on the 5 November strike. Further details should become available as the date approaches, particularly regarding which services and workplaces are likely to be affected.

A third weekend of mobilisation

Saturday’s protests mark another stage in a movement that has continued despite calls for calm following the previous demonstrations.

With actions planned in Perpignan, Narbonne and Carcassonne, residents in the Pyrénées-Orientales and neighbouring Aude should expect a potentially busy weekend, particularly around the announced gathering points.

The immediate focus will be on Saturday’s demonstrations and the Yellow Vests movement’s call to defend public freedoms. Attention will then turn to the nationwide trade union mobilisation on 5 November, when demands for better pay, stronger public services and improved purchasing power will take centre stage.

The key message is to stay informed, check local updates and allow extra time when travelling around the affected areas.