Protests in France lead to Louvre closure; multiple countries update travel advisories

In October 2026, large-scale protests broke out in France over cost of living and school conditions, causing the Louvre to close and prompting multiple countries to update travel advisories for France. France's interior minister, Laurent Nunez, said at least 2,000 people were arrested and more than 600 law enforcement officers and firefighters were injured. The protests also spread to Portugal, Italy, Belgium and other countries. Organizers plan to continue protests in France on October 24 and November 5, and French President Macron said subsequent demonstrations could be banned if necessary.