France rocked by clashes, fires and looting

Author: AfricaNewsPublished on: October 18, 2026Country: France

World / InternationalSociety & LifestyleCrime & Law

France rocked by clashes, fires and looting

France woke on Sunday after protests against the rising cost of living were marked by clashes with police, fires and looting in several cities. Paris police reported 855 arrests in the capital, calling the figure a record. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu reported 1,200 arrests and 150 injured police officers, while Paris deputy mayor Lamia El Aaraje described the violence as unprecedented. Authorities estimated that 550,000 people took part in Saturday’s nationwide demonstrations, compared with the CGT’s estimate of 800,000.

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