Communities

Hundreds of thousands protest in France as cost-of-living anger fuels clashes

Police made hundreds of arrests as demonstrations across the country were marred by fires, looting and injuries.

By Hannah MacKenzie, Staff Writer
October 17, 2026

PARIS · Hundreds of thousands of people protested across France on Saturday against rising living costs and cuts to social services, with the demonstrations descending into violent clashes, looting and fires. Police made hundreds of arrests nationwide as groups of protesters smashed shop windows, broke into municipal buildings and started fires. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said authorities recorded about 550,000 people taking to the streets across the country, but event organizers put the number at more than 800,000. Late Saturday, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said around 1,200 people had been arrested and more than 150 police officers had been injured.

Protesters responded to calls on social media to revive the "yellow vest" movement, which emerged in 2018 against social injustice. Student groups, who have been protesting since mid-September through school blockades, urged supporters to join them, and they were backed by major French unions. The CGT, one of France’s major labor unions, called for "higher wages and pensions, lower prices and the protection of public services that meet people’s needs." In Paris, police used tear gas and water cannons to push back people wearing hoods and masks who were throwing fireworks, paving stones and other objects at officers in the Place de la République. Associated Press reporters saw thick black smoke rising from burning cars, bicycles and trash bins, while several shops were looted. Many metro stations were closed at police request, including those around the Champs-Elysées and near government offices.

President Emmanuel Macron appealed for calm and respect for people and property ahead of the protests. "There is a constitutional right to protest and to express oneself, and I have always been vigilant and attentive that that right is fully respected," Macron said Friday in Brussels. "But this right comes with the need to respect. Respect for people, respect for property, and therefore a commitment not to insult or destroy." On Saturday, Macron said in a social media post that anyone who attacked government buildings or businesses "will be punished."

Violence was reported in numerous cities. In the southern port city of Marseille, some shops and a municipal police station were damaged, while protesters briefly forced their way into the lobby of City Hall. In Lyon, a fire broke out inside a tourist office. In Limoges, a city in central France, city hall was set on fire, with flames still raging Saturday evening. Nuñez described troublemakers as "extremely violent, radical far-left groups" who sought confrontations with police and targeted public buildings.

Authorities opened an investigation after a young demonstrator lost a hand during protests in Saint-Étienne in central France. Nuñez said he could not confirm whether the injury was caused by a grenade used by French security forces. The incident comes as police have drawn sharp scrutiny over their use of grenades and other riot-control weapons during recent demonstrations. Nuñez had previously suspended the use of a type of police stun grenade against young demonstrators after a 15-year-old lost a hand in an earlier protest.

Several French celebrities have expressed support for the student protesters. NBA player Victor Wembanyama, who won a silver medal for France at the 2024 Paris Olympics, said last week he was "happy" that young people were making their voices heard. "I hear them and I support them, and I hope those who are up there [the authorities] will do the same," he said. Actor Vincent Lindon said the students were "asking for things that are entirely normal" and called it "a legitimate fight."

In Quebec, several dozen students rallied in solidarity with the protest movement in France. About 50 people gathered in downtown Montreal to show support, with one protester telling Radio-Canada they were also concerned in Canada by budget cuts to public services and education. The protesters later merged with another demonstration being held nearby against police violence and systemic racism. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said he had instructed prosecutors across France to take an "extremely firm judicial response" to the violence. In a post on X, Darmanin said anyone who targeted law enforcement, firefighters, public buildings and businesses should be placed in pretrial detention.

With files from CityNews, CBC News and Global News