Brief
France sees 1,200 arrests as far‑left and migrant riots spread nationwide
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu reported the updated figures after nationwide unrest that targeted government buildings and luxury stores.
By Felo News Desk · Published
On Saturday, Oct. 18, 2026, France experienced widespread riots that led to at least 1,200 arrests and 150 police injuries, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said after meeting riot police in Paris.
Masked rioters attacked luxury retailers in Paris, looted shops in Nantes, set fire to the historic City Hall in Limoges, torched a tourism office in Lyon and vandalised government buildings in Marseille. The unrest followed demonstrations involving an estimated 550,000 participants nationwide.
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin called for an aggressive judicial response, urging prosecutors to seek pre‑trial detention for suspects accused of attacking police, firefighters, government sites and businesses. Left‑wing mayors of Paris, Marseille and Lyon asked for an emergency meeting with Lecornu over the destruction.
Lecornu blamed radical left‑wing groups, specifically La France Insoumise led by Jean‑Luc Mélenchon, while Mélenchon blamed President Emmanuel Macron’s government for financial mismanagement. National Rally leader Marine Le Pen accused far‑left activists of exploiting economic grievances.
Key facts
- At least 1,200 people were arrested during the riots (amgreatness.com)
- 150 police officers were injured (amgreatness.com)
- Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced the figures after meeting riot police (amgreatness.com)
- Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin urged prosecutors to seek pre‑trial detention for suspects (amgreatness.com)
Sources
- [1] amgreatness.com — originally reported as “France Erupts in Chaos as Far-Left, Migrant Riots Leave 1,200 Arrested, 150 Police Injured › American Greatness”
