Violence erupted across France on Saturday as nationwide demonstrations over the cost of living led to clashes between protesters and police in Paris, Marseille, Lyon and other cities.
In Place de la République in central Paris, where a major march was due to begin at around 2pm local time, police repeatedly deployed tear gas against hundreds of demonstrators, many of whom were dressed in black and wearing masks.
According to AFP journalists, some protesters responded by launching fireworks and other objects at police.
🇫🇷💥 FLASH | La situation se tend sur la place de la République, d’où un cortège est censé partir à 14h. Le monument a également été tagué. 📽️ @AnthoDepe https://t.co/0LXVcw1VCC
— Cerfia (@CerfiaFR) October 17, 2026
Clashes spread to other cities
Similar confrontations were reported in Marseille, where demonstrators threw objects at officers and police again responded with tear gas.
In Rennes, around 20 protesters erected a barricade using rubbish bins and wooden pallets near a shopping centre, while authorities in Toulouse intervened to prevent attempts to block railway lines and a major roundabout.
A university building in Rouen was also damaged by a fire that investigators suspect may have been caused deliberately.
166 arrests nationwide
According to sources close to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, authorities had recorded 140 demonstrations, involving 32,800 participants outside Paris, by midday.
Police had also made 166 arrests nationwide.
In Paris, hooded protesters reportedly threw objects and smashed windows at the headquarters of right-wing television channel CNews. Police were also conducting identity checks near Saint-Lazare station.
🔴 🇫🇷 FRANCE URGENT Gros débordements à la Guillotière (Lyon). Tirs de mortiers, jets de projectiles, affrontements violents. Situation chaotique. À suivre. #Lyon #Guillotière #17Octobre https://t.co/HFboyrvuxJ
— Geocrises FR (@geocrises) October 17, 2026
Rising frustration over living costs
The protests bring together a range of groups and come after weeks of demonstrations by secondary school students demanding improved learning conditions.
Organisers had announced more than 600 demonstrations across France.
The movement has also attracted support from the Yellow Vests, which called for Saturday's mobilisation under the slogan "yellow and youth".
According to a recent survey, around 45 per cent of French people remain concerned about the cost of living and inflation.
Political reactions
On Friday evening, French President Emmanuel Macron called for calm and respect, saying the right to protest must go hand in hand with respect for people and property.
The demonstrations have become a political flashpoint ahead of France's presidential election next spring.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the left-wing La France Insoumise, has voiced support for student protesters, while Marine Le Pen, who currently leads opinion polls, has aligned herself with the police.
Source: AFP / CNA / ANA-MPA
