French Channels Broadcast Albanian Protests as Paris and Lyon Demonstrations

French news channels CNEWS and Franceinfo have apologized for broadcasting footage recorded in Albania's capital, Tirana, during demonstrations in France. The image error, which occurred during nationwide rallies held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, drew backlash.

On Saturday, October 24, 2026, as approximately 300 demonstrations were held across France regarding school funding and the cost of living, CNEWS aired footage from Rruga e Durresit street in Tirana labeled as "Porte d'Italie (Paris)." While a commentator on the channel criticized those in the footage for acting like "future looters," anchor Olivier Benkemoun later apologized, citing a mix-up in the control room.

Similarly, public broadcaster Franceinfo claimed that riot police and law enforcement vehicle footage from Bulevardi Deshmoret e Kombit in Tirana was a live broadcast from Lyon, correcting the mistake three minutes later. This error, which occurred during nationwide protests that saw numerous arrests, also drew criticism from political figures.