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- Around half a million people took part in protests across France over the weekend.
- The demonstrations, which turned violent, saw city halls in various cities set ablaze.
- French President Emmanuel Macron said Sunday that rioters will be “held responsible.”
watch nowVIDEO05:40Unrest roils France as Macron faces pressure over riotsSquawk Box Europe
Protests in France against rising living costs and declining public services turned violent over the weekend, with more than 500,000 people taking to the streets.
Hundreds of thousands of people marched through various cities and protested peacefully but others set fire to the city hall in Limoges, gutting the 19th-century building.
Lyon’s city tourist office was also set ablaze, supermarkets were looted and there were attacks on police officers and vehicles and luxury boutiques, in what was described as the country’s worst unrest in years.
Officers used tear gas to restrain the crowds. One protester died of a heart attack, and another lost a hand.
“Those who looted will have to pay back for the damage, and those who sought to bring down the Republic will be held accountable,” French President Emmanuel Macron said in a televised address to the nation on Sunday.
He blamed “unrestrained violence” on “insurrectionist elements from radical far-left groups, joined by numerous criminals.”
The demonstrations began last month as high school students across Paris lamented poor school conditions, including teacher shortages and unsatisfactory facilities. The demonstrations evolved into a nationwide protest.
Protesters march through central Paris amid fires, smoke, police deployments and clashes during nationwide demonstrations against the high cost of living, on October 17, 2026 in Paris, France. Anadolu | Anadolu | Getty ImagesDuring the demonstration on 17 October in Limoges protesters set fire to the town hall in Limoges Haute-Vienne in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France on 17 October 2026. Elise Cabane | Afp | Getty ImagesClose up shot of the fire of the bell tower of Limoges City Hall where during the demonstration on 17 October protesters set fire to the town hall in Limoges Haute-Vienne in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region of France on 17 October, 2026. Elise Cabane | Afp | Getty ImagesPeople clean a restaurant aftermath of destruction after a day of violent clashes between police and protesters amid a nationwide mobilisation over rising living costs, fuel prices and education funding in Paris, France, on October 18, 2026. Anadolu | Anadolu | Getty ImagesProtestors climb on The Statue de la République at Place de la République on October 17, 2026 in Paris, France. Guy Smallman | Getty Images News | Getty ImagesPolice take security precautions as streets across Paris show signs of damage.Anadolu | Anadolu | Getty ImagesA view of fire as streets across Paris show signs of damage following a day of violent clashes between police and protesters. Anadolu | Anadolu | Getty ImagesPolice clash with protesters during a demonstration amid a nationwide mobilisation over rising living costs, fuel prices and education funding in Paris, France, on October 18, 2026. Anadolu | Anadolu | Getty ImagesRioters set cars on fire at the Canal Saint Martin during severe unrest on October 17, 2026 in Paris, France. Remon Haazen | Getty Images News | Getty ImagesA protestor looks on as police clash with protesters during a demonstration amid a nationwide mobilisation over rising living costs, fuel prices and education funding in Paris, France, on October 18, 2026. Anadolu | Anadolu | Getty ImagesClashes occur between protesters and riot police during a march against the high cost of living in Paris as part of nationwide demonstrations in France, on October 17, 2026. Anadolu | Anadolu | Getty ImagesChoose CNBC as your preferred source on Google and never miss a moment from the most trusted name in business news.
