Brief
Over 1,200 arrested as French riots spread to Paris, Marseille and other cities
Protests over the cost of living turned violent in several French cities, prompting an emergency address by President Macron.
By Felo News Desk · Published
On 18 October 2026, French authorities reported that more than half a million people demonstrated across the country, with riots and looting reported in Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux, Nice and Strasbourg, according to the Daily Mail.
What happened
The unrest, sparked by grievances over the cost of living, education standards and President Emmanuel Macron’s government, saw around 1,500 businesses damaged and losses estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars, as cited by the Retail and Trade Federation. Police said more than 1,200 demonstrators were arrested nationwide. One person died during the main march in Paris, officials said the death was health‑related.
What the reports add
The Daily Mail noted that the riots were described by some witnesses as “apocalyptic”. It also listed the officials present at an inter‑ministerial crisis meeting at the Élysée, including Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez and Secretary‑General Laurence Marion.
What was said
"Hundred of millions" in damages was quoted by the Retail and Trade Federation. A 78‑year‑old Paris resident, Mehmet Ozeden, told the outlet, “It’s like we had a war.” Anita Gras said she saw young men loot a sports‑shoe retailer, while 57‑year‑old Cécile Rogue described the scene as “appalling, terrifying”. Far‑right candidate Marine Le Pen said the unrest showed Macron’s administration was “running on fumes, exhausted and disoriented”. Far‑left leader Jean‑Luc Mélenchon accused authorities of inflaming tensions.
How it came about
The protests followed weeks of nationwide unrest that began in early October over school conditions and rising living costs, as documented in Felo’s earlier coverage of the October 2026 French riots.
Key facts
- More than half a million people demonstrated across France on 18 October 2026. (dailymail.co.uk)
- Over 1,200 demonstrators were arrested nationwide. (dailymail.co.uk)
- Around 1,500 businesses were damaged with losses estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars. (dailymail.co.uk)
- One person died during the main march in Paris, officials said the case was health‑related. (dailymail.co.uk)
- President Macron is expected to deliver an emergency address at 7 pm BST. (dailymail.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] dailymail.co.uk — originally reported as “France riots live updates: Violent protesters take to streets again”
