France's violent protests over living costs leave 1,200 arrested, 150 police injured

Large-scale protests across France escalated into widespread violence on Saturday, October 17, with authorities reporting over 1,200 arrests and 150 police and gendarme injuries. The demonstrations, which have continued for several weeks, drew an estimated 550,000 participants according to the government, though union organisers claimed attendance reached 800,000. Protests centred on rising living costs, deteriorating public services, teacher shortages, and school conditions, with participants including students, workers, unions, climate activists, farmers, and members of the "Yellow Vests" movement.

Violence erupted in major cities including Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse, Limoges, Lille, and others. In Limoges, a 140-year-old municipal prefecture was set ablaze, causing the roof to collapse and destroying roughly two-thirds of the building's façade. Lyon's tourism office was burned; Marseille's city hall was stormed and vandalised; and Angers' prefecture was invaded. Dozens of shops—including supermarkets, luxury boutiques, pharmacies, clothing stores, and electronics retailers—were looted across multiple cities. Vehicles were torched and fires lit in streets, particularly at symbolic locations like Paris's Place de la République. Police deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu attributed the violence to far-left extremists and criminals, warning that "no one can impose a political agenda through violence." He characterised the events as "one of France's most serious violent incidents in decades."

The protests mark the return of mass mobilisation reminiscent of the 2018–2019 Yellow Vests movement, which emerged during President Emmanuel Macron's first term. The current unrest occurs amid political uncertainty, as Macron prepares to leave office before April 2027 presidential elections. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported looting and attempted looting in Paris, Rouen, Nantes, Toulouse, and Marseille. Police oversight bodies are investigating at least 24 allegations of police violence; notably, a 17-year-old was seriously injured after picking up a stun grenade, losing his hand. Police unions warned that officers faced severe violence and tactical ambushes, with some officers hospitalised unconscious.

Similar demonstrations against high living costs and housing affordability occurred across Europe on the same day. In Portugal, tens of thousands protested in Lisbon after years of soaring housing costs that have doubled since 2017. Belgium, Italy, Spain, and Albania also saw demonstrations; in Albania, thousands of students protested for a fifth consecutive day, demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation. President Macron stated that those responsible for destruction, arson, looting, and attacks on government buildings would face prosecution and punishment. The Education Ministry had promised to hire 3,000 substitute teachers as a concession, but protests continued and intensified.