Protests over cost of living turn violent across France
PARIS: French protesters clashed with police during nationwide demonstrations on Saturday, setting a tourism office ablaze in Lyon amid some of the country’s most violent unrest in years over the rising cost of living and declining public services.
Police fired tear gas, and the Interior Ministry reported 272 arrests by mid-afternoon. Violent incidents involving hooded individuals erupted in Paris, Marseille, Rennes, Toulouse and Angers. The ministry blamed the unrest, which included attempted looting and arson, on the “ultra-left”.
The demonstrations began last month at high schools in Paris’ poor northern suburbs over teacher shortages before evolving into a broader movement focused on inequality and public spending.
“We are fighting because the cost of living is too harsh, because the price of fuel is too high, and because high school pupils are being violently attacked and hurt all over the country just for trying to protest,” said Lola, a 19-year-old protester in Paris.
Police fire tear gas as 272 arrested nationwide; tourism office torched
A heavy police presence secured central Paris landmarks. Demonstrators in high-visibility vests blocked streets, echoing the 2018 Yellow Vest movement. In Marseille, the mayor reported the town hall was vandalised.
Calls on social media for veterans of previous movements to join appeared to have broadened participation.
Police tactics face intense scrutiny following several demonstrator injuries, including a teenager who lost a hand to a stun grenade.
The police watchdog is investigating at least two dozen allegations of police violence. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said more than 900 officers had been injured in previous protests.
Macron, who urged calm on Friday, is entering the final stretch of his presidency amid a fragmented political landscape and growing pressure over the economy.
France’s efforts to reduce public debt have failed to reassure investors, pushing government borrowing costs to their highest levels in more than two decades.
Published in Dawn, October 18th, 2026
