Macron voices 'anger and shame' as France's protests spiral into nationwide rioting and looting
Nearly 2,400 people were arrested and about 1,000 police officers injured on Saturday, as cost-of-living protests also swept Belgium, Portugal and Italy.
At a glance
- France's Interior Ministry said nearly 2,400 people were arrested on Saturday, October 17, and about 1,000 police and gendarmes were injured.
- The movement began with student protests over underfunded schools and teacher shortages, before the Yellow Vests joined over austerity and fuel prices.
- Macron said rioters would 'pay for their crimes' but did not announce a state of emergency or curfew.
- Cost-of-living protests the same day hit Brussels, Lisbon and Milan, where police used tear gas and water cannon.
France is facing one of its most violent weekends of unrest in decades. President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation on Sunday, October 18, expressing "anger and shame" at what he called attempts to bring down the republic, after protests on Saturday turned into looting, arson and clashes with police across the country.
Thousands arrested
The Interior Ministry said nearly 2,400 people were arrested on Saturday and about 1,000 police officers and gendarmes were injured. Shops were looted in Paris and other cities. Earlier reports said more than 550,000 people took part, that a fire largely destroyed the town hall in Limoges, and that protesters set Lyon's tourist office alight.
Macron said rioters and looters would "pay for their crimes", but drew a line between them and protesters with legitimate demands. He announced a crisis unit to help people in difficulty and ordered a review of lessons learned. He did not declare a state of emergency or curfew, but promised more security.
From classrooms to the streets
The movement began in late September with peaceful student blockades in Seine-Saint-Denis, a low-income Paris suburb, over overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages and crumbling school buildings. It spread nationwide and was joined by the Gilets Jaunes (Yellow Vests), who added opposition to austerity, rising living costs and fuel prices.
Political fallout
Opposition figures attacked the government. Left-wing leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon said it was solely responsible for the destruction, while far-right hopeful Jordan Bardella called Macron's speech "cowardly". The unrest is fast becoming an issue ahead of next year's presidential election.
A wider European wave
France was not alone on Saturday. In Brussels, police used tear gas and water cannon on protesters angry at university fees. Tens of thousands marched in Lisbon over housing costs, and in Milan a march against war and rising prices turned violent, with about 50 people detained. Analysts say early mobilisation in Greece, Germany and Austria suggests the unrest could spread further.
Questions people are asking
Why are people protesting in France?
Student unions started protesting in late September over underfunded schools, crumbling infrastructure and teacher shortages. The Yellow Vests movement later joined, adding anger over austerity cuts, rising living costs and fuel prices.
Is it safe to travel to France right now?
Most of France is functioning normally, but protests can turn violent with little warning. Travellers should avoid demonstrations, follow local news and check their government's travel advice.
How we verified this story
GlobeHourly wrote this report in its own words after checking the facts against 3 independent sources: official statements, wire agencies and established news outlets. Read our standards.
