Riots and looting in France: Macron toughens his stance and announces prosecutions

After violence, looting and damage occurred during nationwide demonstrations on October 17, 2026, Emmanuel Macron said on X that those responsible would be prosecuted and punished. He voiced support for law enforcement and called for unity against people he accused of seeking to destabilize institutions, while distinguishing their actions from peaceful protesters’ demands. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported 550,000 demonstrators, including 110,000 in Paris, while organizers claimed 800,000. About 400 people were arrested and nearly 60 police officers and gendarmes were injured; no official count of injured demonstrators was available.