Paris on Edge: A Week of Strikes and Demonstrations
Paris, January 9, 2026 – The French capital is currently grappling with a series of strikes, demonstrations, and rallies planned throughout the week of January 5th to 11th, 2026. These events, ranging from healthcare worker protests to farmer movements and various commemorations, are impacting daily life and drawing significant public attention.
Nationwide Doctors’ Strike Enters Fourth Day
A nationwide strike by liberal doctors, both general practitioners and specialists, commenced on Monday, January 5th, and is expected to last for ten days. The strike, organized in opposition to the 2026 Social Security Financing Bill (PLFSS 2026), has led to the closure of numerous medical practices across Paris and the surrounding Île-de-France region (75, 92, 93, 94). The main objective of the striking doctors is to protest measures they deem detrimental to urban medicine and to advocate for improved working conditions and access to care. More information is available on csmf.org.
Commemorations for 2015 Attacks and Kurdish Activists
Wednesday, January 7th, saw solemn commemorations for the victims of the 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris. At approximately 10:45 AM, individuals gathered at 10, rue Nicolas-Appert in the 11th arrondissement, the former site of the satirical newspaper targeted in the attacks, to pay tribute to the murdered journalists and staff. Later, around 11:15 AM, a silent vigil was held on the central median opposite 62, boulevard Richard-Lenoir, in memory of Warrant Officer Ahmed Merabet, the police officer killed during the 2015 attacks.
Separately, on Friday, January 9th, a commemoration took place at 12:30 PM in front of the former Kurdish cultural center at 147 rue La Fayette (Paris 10e, M° Gare-du-Nord). This event honored Sakine Cansız, Fidan Doğan, and Leyla Şaylemez, three Kurdish activists assassinated in Paris in 2013. Wreaths were laid, and a moment of remembrance was observed with the Kurdish community and its supporters present. Further details can be found on cdkf.fr.
Farmers’ Protest Disrupts Traffic with Tractor Convoys
Thursday, January 8th, witnessed a significant farmer protest organized by the Coordination Rurale. Peaceful convoys of tractors converged on Paris to voice opposition to culling related to lumpy skin disease and the EU-Mercosur agreement. The Ministry of Interior reported around a hundred tractors at the city’s outskirts, with about twenty entering Paris. Some tractors stopped near the Arc de Triomphe for a morning rally. The exact routes of the convoys varied due to roadblocks. This demonstration highlights the ongoing concerns of the agricultural sector.
Support for Elias d’Imzalène and Pro-Palestinian Rally
On Wednesday, January 7th, a rally was held at 12:30 PM at the Paris Court of Appeal, 10 boulevard du Palais (1st arr.), in support of activist Elias d’Imzalène during his appeal trial. The French Jewish Union for Peace (UJFP) called for supporters to gather and remain until the evening on both Wednesday the 7th and Thursday the 8th of January, to denounce what they describe as repression against pro-Palestinian activists. More information is available on UJFP.org.
Looking ahead, a major demonstration in solidarity with the Palestinian people is scheduled for Sunday, January 11th, at 2:00 PM at Place de la République (Paris 10e, M° République). Organized by the Urgence Palestine collective, along with numerous solidarity associations, the rally aims to demand an end to offensives in Gaza and sanctions against Israel. Details can be found on solipal.fr.
Kurdish Community Demands Truth and Justice
A large commemorative march demanding truth and justice for the Kurdish community is planned for Saturday, January 10th, at 10:00 AM, starting from Gare du Nord (Paris 10e, M° Gare-du-Nord). The march will honor the six victims of two attacks targeting the Kurdish community in Paris in 2013 and 2022. The Kurdish diaspora and international supporters will participate in this collective remembrance. Further information is available on serhildan.org.
Liberal Doctors’ National Demonstration
Also on Saturday, January 10th, a major unified demonstration by liberal doctors is set to take place. A rally will begin at 12:30 PM at the Panthéon (Paris 5e, RER B Luxembourg), followed by a march at 2:00 PM. Thousands of doctors are expected to participate, advocating for their working conditions and access to healthcare. The demonstration route will proceed from the Panthéon to Les Invalides (Ministry of Health, 7e), passing through rue Soufflot and boulevard Saint-Germain, with an estimated arrival around 5:00 PM at Place Vauban. More details are available on medecinspourdemain.fr.
Upcoming Demonstrations and Yellow Vest Movement Changes
While no strikes or demonstrations were reported for Tuesday, January 6th, the week concludes with ongoing social mobilization. The Yellow Vest movement has announced a significant change in its protest rhythm, now planning demonstrations every two months. Information regarding this can be found on manifestationgiletsjaunesparis. A feminist strike and demonstration are also scheduled for March 8th, 2025.
These events underscore a period of active social and political discourse in Paris, with various groups expressing their concerns and demands through public gatherings and actions.
