Cost of Living Protests in France: 2,400 Detained and Extensive Damage
Protests against the cost of living and the decline in public services in France turned violent on October 17-18, 2026. Across the country, 2,400 people were detained, approximately 1,000 police officers were injured, and one person lost their life.
French President Emmanuel Macron has called for calm following violent protests across the country on October 17-18, 2026, which saw looting, arson, and clashes with police.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced that 2,400 people were detained during the protests and approximately 1,000 police officers were injured. During the demonstrations in Paris, one protester died after suffering a heart attack. In the city of Limoges, the clock tower of a town hall was destroyed by fire, while security forces intervened to protect businesses in Paris and Marseille.
Addressing the public on television, President Macron condemned the violence while acknowledging that peaceful protesters had legitimate grievances. The government blamed far-left groups and criminal organizations for the looting. Without declaring a state of emergency, Macron announced new measures granting prefects the authority to ban protests in order to protect public buildings and businesses.
The retail chain Carrefour reported that 50 of its stores were damaged during the events, with 20 of them being looted. Political figures such as Marine Le Pen and Jean-Luc Melenchon also called for calm, drawing attention to the root causes of the social unrest.