Violence in cost-of-living protests in France: More than 2,400 detained
More than 2,400 people have been detained following violent incidents during protests across France against the cost of living and school conditions. President Macron strongly condemned the acts of violence, which included severe damage to the Limoges City Hall.
Nationwide protests held in France on October 17-18, 2026, were marked by violence and looting. Amid tensions between demonstrators protesting the cost of living and conditions in the education system and security forces, at least 2,400 people were detained across the country; 855 people were arrested in the Paris region alone.
In a televised statement, President Emmanuel Macron blamed 'insurrectionist elements from radical far-left groups' and criminals for the violence. During the incidents, which involved attacks on public buildings and businesses, the 19th-century City Hall in the city of Limoges suffered severe damage due to a fire.
Regarding participation in the demonstrations, authorities reported 550,000 people, while organizers cited a figure of 800,000. At the Place de la République in Paris, police used tear gas against protesters. It was reported that one person died of a heart attack in Paris during the events. Investigations have been launched into incidents in Mulhouse and Saint-Etienne that resulted in serious injuries to protesters.
Assessment: As tensions escalate between political leaders Marine Le Pen and Jean-Luc Mélenchon, U.S. President Donald Trump also commented on the situation via social media. The overshadowing of the protests by violence has highlighted the extent of social unrest in France.