Photos: Protests across France spiral into looting, blazes and clashes

What the report says

France saw a wave of unrest on October 17, 2026, after demonstrations over rising living costs and poor conditions in schools escalated into looting, fires and clashes with police in several cities, including Paris, Marseille, Nice, Bordeaux, Lille and Strasbourg, Al Jazeera reported. The protests were initially part of broader cost-of-living marches, but masked groups later attacked shops, vehicles and public buildings, turning much of the day’s action violent.

According to the article, authorities said about 1,200 people were arrested and 150 police officers were injured. Police used tear gas and water cannon in Paris and elsewhere as demonstrators threw projectiles, fireworks and other objects. Damage was reported to town halls, a police compound and a tourist office, while burned cars and smashed storefronts were left across affected areas.

The unrest comes after weeks of student-led protests and arrives about six months before France’s presidential election, adding political pressure on President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez blamed what he described as highly violent radical groups, while political figures across the spectrum traded accusations over responsibility for the disorder.

Al Jazeera’s report also noted that police estimated 110 marches drew about 550,000 people, while organizers put turnout higher, at around 800,000. The protests were linked to revived calls connected to the “yellow vest” movement, which first emerged in 2018 over fuel taxes.