France · Country watch

France Faces New Protests, Smartbox Cyberattack

Protests continue to disrupt France, while a cyberattack exposes Smartbox customer data.

Florent Kalfon · 7 November 2026 · 22 articles read

The picture Deteriorating How this is judged →

Conditions in France are deteriorating due to ongoing nationwide protests and a cyberattack on Smartbox. These events disrupt logistics, retail, and technology sectors, increasing operational challenges.

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In this briefing Nathanaël Combary · Education sector unions · Gilets jaunes · French police · Smartbox

Disruption

Public sector

Education Sector Faces New Strike on November 10

people waving flag of France near building — Pierre Herman / Unsplash

Unions in the education sector have called for a new strike on November 10, as reported by BFMTV. The inter-union group, including organizations from the national education and higher education sectors, issued the call in response to the exclusion of public sector salaries from an upcoming social conference on November 9. Nathanaël Combary of Renouveau lycéen criticized the exclusion, calling it a provocation.

Impact Schools and universities will experience disruptions, affecting students and staff across France.

Watch Strike planned for November 10. · 10 November 2026

Sources: BFMTV ↗

Internal tension

Public sector
Logistics
Retail

70,000 Officers Deployed for Nationwide Protests

France is experiencing its fourth consecutive weekend of nationwide protests against high living costs, with 130,000 to 170,000 participants expected, according to Sud Ouest Économie. In response, 70,000 police and gendarmes have been deployed across the country. Prefects have issued orders banning demonstrations in city centers, BFMTV reports. The protests, organized by the 'gilets jaunes' and youth unions, have led to heightened security measures and potential disruptions in urban areas.

Impact Retailers and logistics operators face disruptions due to restricted access to city centers and heightened security measures.

Sources: Sud Ouest Économie ↗, BFMTV ↗

Safety & health

Technology
Retail

Smartbox Cyberattack Exposes Customer Data

Smartbox, a gift box specialist, has reported a cyberattack that potentially exposed customer names and email addresses, according to Le Progrès Économie. The breach was detected on November 3, but the company assures that financial details and passwords were not compromised. Smartbox is investigating the incident and has informed affected customers. The company has not disclosed the number of customers impacted.

Impact Smartbox customers may face increased risk of phishing attacks due to exposed personal data.

Sources: Le Progrès Économie ↗

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