Thousands of anti-fascist protesters marched in Orléans, France, on October 24, 2026, against the National Rally (RN) congress and its leader, Marine Le Pen, with police estimating 11,000 participants and organizers claiming 26,000. The demonstrations also targeted President Emmanuel Macron and occurred amidst broader nationwide protests across France concerning the cost of living.

These protests show deep political divisions and public discontent ahead of Marine Le Pen's planned presidential campaign launch on October 25, 2026. The events illustrate tensions between the far-right, the centrist government, and a populace grappling with economic pressures.

What the records show

On October 24, 2026, thousands of protesters took to the streets of Orléans to voice opposition to the National Rally congress. Demonstrators carried banners, including one that read, "All united against fascism. For the popular rally and social progress". Slogans chanted by the marchers included "Macron resign. Le Pen in prison". Left-wing party leaders, such as Socialist Party First Secretary Olivier Faure, joined the demonstration. Police put the number of marchers at 11,000, while organizers said 26,000 took part. The march in Orléans was described as peaceful.

The protests in Orléans coincided with new nationwide demonstrations over the cost of living, a week after similar rallies had escalated into street violence. In response, the French government deployed approximately 70,000 police officers nationwide, supported by helicopters, armored vehicles, and water cannons. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated that, as of Saturday evening, no major incidents had occurred across the country, distinguishing these protests from the previous week's unrest that saw looting and damage to approximately 3,000 shops. As a preventive measure in Orléans, Mayor Serge Grouard implemented a two-night curfew for minors under 15 years old, effective from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The mayor's office stated this measure aimed to prevent public disorder and reduce the risk of unrest.

The timeline

On October 24 and 25, 2026, the National Rally held its congress in Orléans. Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally, was scheduled to launch her presidential campaign at a party congress on October 25. The protests against the RN congress and Marine Le Pen took place on October 24. Mayor Serge Grouard announced the two-night curfew for minors under 15 in Orléans on Saturday, October 24, to last through Sunday.

What changed and for whom

During the National Rally's congress in Orléans on October 24, Jordan Bardella was re-elected as the party's president. He ran unopposed and secured an overwhelming majority, receiving 75,497 votes, which accounted for 98.98% of the eligible votes. This re-election was viewed as a formality intended to show the party's unity six months before the presidential election. Bardella reiterated his support for Marine Le Pen, who serves as the National Rally's parliamentary leader and presidential candidate.

What the subject has said publicly

Prior to the congress, Marine Le Pen addressed the issue of urban violence in a video address on October 18, 2026. She described the situation as a "deep crisis of confidence and authority" and accused the government of having "lost control of everything". Following his re-election, Jordan Bardella reaffirmed his backing for Marine Le Pen.

What we could not confirm

We could not confirm the specific outcomes or resolutions of the broader nationwide protests regarding the cost of living. We also could not confirm if the declared curfews or police deployments extended beyond the immediate weekend of October 24-25, 2026.