“You Shall Not Pass”: Gandalf, Black Panther and Deadpool Take to the Streets of France

Live updates

1. 42m ago

   France Braces for General Strike Amid Protests

   France faces a third weekend of youth-led protests and blockades across schools and universities as the country prepares for a nationwide general strike. Demonstrations that began with festive elements, featuring participants dressed as pop culture characters like Gandalf, Black Panther, and Deadpool, have erupted into violent clashes. Masked rioters have firebombed police, leading authorities to launch an attempted murder investigation after a petrol bomb was thrown at officers. Students are pressing for reform ahead of trade union strike actions.

   Why it matters

   The unrest marks a significant turning point in the French presidential race and highlights deep youth-led frustration as rallies spread across Europe. Experts note a lack of a political solution to address the growing anger among the populace. The movement has transitioned from localized student blockades into broader confrontations, putting public safety officials on high alert.

   What is confirmed

   • France is experiencing a third weekend of youth-led protests and student blockades across schools and universities.
   • Clashes between police and masked rioters have erupted following largely peaceful demonstrations.
   • Protesters firebombed French police during Halloween riots, prompting an attempted murder investigation.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Trade unions are preparing for a nationwide general strike following the student blockades.

   What to watch next

   • Execution and impact of the nationwide trade union general strike
   • Further developments in the attempted murder investigation regarding the petrol bomb attack on police
   Sources used for this update (15)

   1. PBS — A third weekend of protests in France as youth-led rallies sweep Europe
   2. The Guardian — Police clash with masked rioters after largely peaceful protests across France
   3. The New York Times — Clashes Erupt Again in France, After Festive Start to Day of Protest
   4. The Telegraph — Protesters firebomb French police as Hallowe’en riots erupt across Europe
   5. Rolling Stone — Inside France’s Fiery Protests: ‘We Feel Completely Lost’
   6. BBC — France launches attempted murder investigation after petrol bomb thrown at police
   7. Reuters — French school protests resume on smaller scale as students return from break
   8. France 24 — 'No political solution' to anger in France, expert says amid ongoing protests - Perspective
   9. The Hollywood Reporter — “You Shall Not Pass”: Gandalf, Black Panther and Deadpool Take to the Streets of France
   10. Euronews.com — Students block high schools in France to press for reform ahead of general strike
   11. Yahoo — Students blockade dozens of French schools and universities
   12. Le Monde.fr — How France's protests marked a turning point in the presidential race
   confidence 90%