Do you prefer May 1968 or 2005 riots? How historians look at October 17

French historians are reflecting on the social unrest of October 17, 2026, comparing its intensity and impact to past movements such as May 1968 and the 2005 riots. Organizers claimed 800,000 people participated in demonstrations across France, while Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez estimated the number at 550,000. Historian Stéphane Sirot described the mobilization as one of the highest levels since the Yellow Vest movement, which reached up to 300,000 participants at its peak, and the 2023 pension reform protests, which exceeded one million. Before the demonstration, French intelligence services had predicted that October 17 would not become a major day of unrest, estimating attendance at around 110,000 to 120,000 people. Sirot noted that these estimates seemed low given the convergence of multiple grievances under the logic of the student movement, which had been powerful for over a month. He believed the actual turnout was more significant than anticipated. The call to protest on October 17 originated on social media and was supported by high school unions, who have been demonstrating since mid-September for better educational conditions. These demonstrations, involving Yellow Vests, students, university groups, trade unions, and left-wing parties, generally proceeded without incident, even in Paris. However, videos of looting and clashes with law enforcement, along with images of the city hall in Limoges engulfed in flames, turned the day into a chaotic scene. Many cities saw vandals confronting overwhelmed police forces. Sirot stated that the level of violence itself was not unusual, noting that such incidents have occurred repeatedly over the past two decades during various demonstrations. What surprised him was the scale and nature of the violence. He compared the events to the 2005 riots in the suburbs, highlighting the intensity of the violence and the possible overlap in participants, though he acknowledged the current group would be older than those involved in 2005. He pointed out that the response to the 2005 riots included a curfew, whereas the authorities did not implement similar measures this time. Historian Danielle Tartakowsky also drew parallels with the 2005 riots, recalling attacks on schools and libraries that raised questions among researchers. However, she emphasized that it was too early to fully analyze the events of October 17, stating she refused to label them prematurely. Emmanuel de Waresquiel, a historian specializing in the French Revolution, discussed the similarities and differences between the current unrest and historical revolutions. He highlighted how the legacy of revolution might influence contemporary agitation and the desire for insurrection. Meanwhile, the French far-right has sought to capitalize on the protests, calling for stricter law and order. In Italy, the unrest has spread, prompting Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to adopt a firm stance against the disturbances. Demonstrations in Italy, including in Milan, were organized to protest rising living costs, low wages, and concerns about public health and education. The situation has forced the Italian government to reconsider its security strategy urgently.