Europe
Macron condemns violence after protests in France: more than 2,400 arrested nationwide
The French president addressed the nation after a weekend of cost-of-living protests marred by looting, fires and clashes with police.
By ANN Newsroom · Newsroom
October 18, 2026, 21:00 · Updated 12:20 · 1 min read
In brief
- At least 2,400 people have been arrested in France during protests against the rising cost of living.
- Fire destroyed a large part of Limoges' historic city hall, while stores were looted in Paris.
- Macron blamed radical-left groups and promised that those responsible will pay for the damage.
French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a live televised address to the nation on Sunday after two days of nationwide protests that began as a reaction to the rising cost of living, fuel prices and conditions in schools, but which in many cities degenerated into violence and looting.
According to the authorities, Saturday's marches drew about 550,000 people, while organizers put turnout at 800,000. The number of arrests nationwide passed 2,400, including 855 in the Paris region alone. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported that hundreds of businesses were looted across the country.
Damage in several cities
In Limoges, fire destroyed most of the 19th-century city hall building, causing its roof to collapse. In Marseille, protesters briefly entered the lobby of city hall and a police station was damaged, while in Lyon a fire broke out inside a tourist office. In Paris, the areas around the Place de la République were hit by looting, and police again used tear gas on Sunday.
Macron voiced the public's anger and shame over the events and blamed them mainly on elements from radical-left groups, who he said were joined by criminals. He warned that those who looted will pay for the damage and that those who sought to bring down the Republic will be held accountable.
The president instructed prefects to work with mayors to protect public buildings and businesses in the coming weeks, including by banning protests when necessary. Meanwhile, police use of grenades and other equipment has come under scrutiny after a 17-year-old girl lost an eye in Mulhouse and a protester lost a hand in Saint-Étienne. The events have also fueled political debate ahead of next spring's presidential election.
