French Police Clash with Protesters in Paris Over Living Costs

theage.com.au [$] —

Police in Paris fired tear gas and water cannons at protesters throwing fireworks during demonstrations against rising living costs, with violence erupting across France on October 17, 2026. Protesters set fires and looted shops, intensifying clashes ahead of national elections. An estimated 550,000 people joined rallies nationwide, including 110,000 in Paris, with about 400 arrested and 60 officers injured. Arson damaged Limoges town hall, while violence hit Bordeaux, Lyon, Lille, Marseille, and other cities, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to condemn the unrest. The protests follow weeks of school blockades over education quality and costs, backed by unions and far-left candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon. Right-wing candidate Marine Le Pen blamed the left for the violence, urging voters to support her party in upcoming elections.


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French Police Clash with Protesters in Paris Over Living Costs | News Minimalist