Paris: The protests in France have escalated into widespread violence and looting, with at least 1,200 people arrested as an estimated 550,000 demonstrators took to the streets over school conditions and the rising cost of living.
Clashes continued in Paris as riot police used tear gas and water cannon against crowds. Officers were seen charging at demonstrators and striking several people with batons. Fires broke out in streets and vehicles were set alight, including near the Place de la République in the city centre.
France protests also saw buildings and businesses targeted across the country. In Limoges, a major fire at the town hall caused part of the roof to collapse. Local police noted that hostile individuals had prevented firefighters from safely tackling the blaze. Fire crews continued efforts to control the fire as damage to public buildings was reported elsewhere.
Sébastien Lecornu, Prime Minister of France stated that 150 police officers was injured during the unrest. The Ministry of the Interior reported targeted acts of violence by hooded individuals in Paris and other cities, including Marseille, Rennes, Toulouse and Angers.
Damage was also reported in Grenoble, Avignon, Pau, Montpellier and Valence. In Paris, clothing and food shops were looted. An Apple store in Lille was broken into and emptied.
The demonstrations began as growing anger over staff shortages and deteriorating facilities in France’s lycées, secondary schools attended by students aged 15 to 18. Hundreds of thousands of students have protested in recent weeks.
Trade union members and other protest groups joined October 17 demonstrations, including members of the yellow vest movement that mobilised against rising living costs from 2018.
The unrest comes as France faces a period of political uncertainty ahead of next year’s presidential election. Polls suggest the contest in April could involve Marine Le Pen of the National Rally and Jean-Luc Mélenchon of the hard-left La France Insoumise party.
Mélenchon took part in the demonstrations and accused police of using excessive force against protesters while condemning looting and arson. Lecornu criticised Mélenchon’s comments as dangerous and cynical. The prime minister also warned that some groups were using the protests to prepare for the presidential election and violence would not be allowed to dictate the political agenda.
President Emmanuel Macron remarked that those responsible for attacks on public buildings, prefectures, businesses and town halls would face prosecution and punishment.
The government has attempted to address some of the protester’s concerns. Education Minister Édouard Geffray promised 3,000 additional supply teachers during a television interview on October 8, 2026. However, demonstrations have continued and intensified despite the proposed measures.
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