France ranks fourth in European demonstrations

Since the start of the school year, demonstrations have multiplied in the streets of France. According to data from ACLED (Armed Conflict Location & Event Data), an independent organization that records demonstrations and conflicts worldwide, France is ranked fourth in Europe in terms of number of demonstrations between 2020 and September 2026.

France has 4,858 recorded demonstrations

Since 2020, ACLED has recorded 4,858 demonstrations in France. This is less than in Italy, with 5,851 gatherings, in Germany, with 5,463, and in Spain, with 5,410. France is therefore indeed fourth in 2026.

France leads in riots

If France is not the European country where the most demonstrations take place, it is nevertheless first in terms of riots. Since 2020, ACLED has recorded 1,187 riots on French territory, compared to less than 800 in Germany, the second most affected country by this phenomenon.

France second in excessive police force

France is also the second country, this time behind Italy, in the ranking of "excessive" use of force by authorities. Since the start of the student movement, several of them have been injured during demonstrations against their study conditions.

Investigations into police violence

The National Police Inspection (IGPN) has opened 36 investigations into suspected police violence since the start of the movement. Obviously, these are investigations and the 36 cases do not yet fall into this category.

France ranks second in peaceful interventions

The ACLED data also allow observation of law enforcement practices without "excessive" use of force. Between 2020 and September 2026, French law enforcement intervened in 598 demonstrations while these were taking place peacefully. In absolute terms, France ranks second behind Germany for the number of police interventions during peaceful demonstrations.