French consumer confidence dropped sharply in October, reaching its lowest level in more than a decade, according to data released Tuesday by the national statistics agency INSEE. The confidence index fell by five points to 80, marking the weakest reading since June 2013.

The decline comes amid a surge of protests across France that originated in suburban Paris in September. Initially sparked by student demonstrations focused on concerns about school conditions, the unrest quickly expanded into broader opposition against the government’s economic policies.

The consumer confidence index remains significantly below the long-term average of 100, calculated from January 1987 through December 2025. Analysts suggest that the widespread civil unrest and uncertainty surrounding government measures are contributing factors to dampened consumer sentiment.

The protests have drawn attention to growing social and economic frustrations, with demonstrators voicing discontent over issues ranging from inflation and cost of living to public services. The government has faced mounting pressure to address these concerns as economic optimism among French households continues to wane.

This downturn in consumer confidence reflects broader challenges facing France’s economy as it navigates both internal dissent and external pressures. The trend will be closely monitored in coming months for its potential impact on domestic demand and overall economic performance.