World · Europe · 53 mins ago
France arrests more than 1,800 after protests turn violent
More than 1,800 people were arrested in France after protests against the cost of living turned violent on Saturday.
Demonstrations took place in Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux and other cities, with clashes, fires and looting reported.
The protests brought together people concerned about high prices, including students, workers and other groups.
The demonstrations followed weeks of student protests over poor conditions in high schools, and expanded to include issues such as fuel prices, wages and public services.
The Interior Minister said about 500 police, firefighters and paramedics were hurt, though Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu had earlier cited more than 150 injured police officers.
The minister blamed ultra-left groups for the violence, while the government said those responsible would face justice.
Investigations are under way to identify those involved, and the minister said France would not yield to disorder and violence.
French authorities detained more than 1,800 people during and after protests on Saturday, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said on Sunday.
The demonstrations against the cost of living and rising fuel prices were accompanied by clashes, fires and looting in several cities.
Nunez said about 500 police officers, firefighters and paramedics had been injured, while another report put the number of injured law enforcement officers at more than 500.
The protests followed weeks of student demonstrations over conditions in high schools.
The government said it would identify and prosecute those responsible for violence and property damage.
- Who
- French police detained more than 1,800 people, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nunez.
- What
- Protests and clashes took place, with fires, looting and damage to property.
- When
- Saturday, October 17, 2026; the arrest total was reported on Sunday, October 18.
- Where
- France, including Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux and other cities.
- Why
- Demonstrators protested the cost of living and rising fuel prices. Student protests over high-school conditions had also spread in the weeks before.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Student protests began at a high school in Créteil over deteriorating buildings, overcrowded classrooms and a lack of teachers.
A national day of protests against the cost of living and rising fuel prices took place across France.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said about 1,200 people had been detained.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez reported that more than 1,800 people had been arrested.
- Detentions
- More than 1,800 people
- Protest date
- October 17, 2026
- Protest turnout
- About 550,000 people, including 110,000 in Paris
- Injuries
- About 500 police, firefighters and paramedics, according to Nunez
- Cities affected
- Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux and others
6 sources
French police arrest at least 1,800 as nationwide protests continue
França vira “zona de guerra” após protestos com 1.800 presos; veja imagens
France protests: More than 1,800 arrested, Interior Minister says
Police detain 1,800 people during unrest in France — Interior Ministry
Police arrest 1,800 after rallies in France erupt in violence
Ruim 1.200 arrestaties en 150 gewonde agenten bij grootschalige protesten in Frankrijk
What people are saying
1,800 people have been arrested and now investigations are under way to identify the perpetrators of these acts so they can be brought to justice
The damage to property is considerable, especially for several hundred shop owners
it is a miracle that the toll was not higher