PARIS: France was rocked by fresh clashes, looting and arson on Sunday as President Emmanuel Macron vowed a tougher security response following a wave of unrest that led to nearly 2,400 arrests and left almost 1,000 police officers and gendarmes injured, according to the Interior Ministry.
In a televised address to the nation, Macron condemned what he described as “unbridled” violence, promising to strengthen security measures and review the police response.
However, he stopped short of declaring a state of emergency or imposing a curfew.
“Tonight, we all feel anger and shame,” Macron said, distinguishing between protesters with legitimate grievances and those involved in destruction and looting.
“Those who have destroyed must pay,” he declared, pledging an uncompromising response to violent groups and criminal elements.
Fresh confrontations erupted in Paris, where police fired tear gas and stun grenades at hundreds of people gathered in a square following calls on social media for a demonstration that authorities said had not been authorised.
Protesters threw bottles and stones at police, who made several arrests, while shops were looted around Place de la République. Specialist riot police were deployed in the area for a second consecutive day as unrest also spread to Lyon, where officers prevented attempts to smash the windows of a luxury clothing shop.
🚨 NOW: MACRON IS NOWHERE TO BE FOUND as France BURNS
Law and order is dead in France.
The tourist center is being fully decimated by “student protestors” in Lyon 🤯
https://t.co/6rh5YydIIB— Graham (@MrGrahamHodsdon) October 19, 2026
The violence followed nationwide demonstrations on Saturday involving trade unions, members of the Yellow Vests movement and school students. Protesters voiced anger over the rising cost of living, fuel prices and the economic prospects of young people.
Political pressure mounts
The unrest has intensified political pressure on Macron months before France’s presidential election, in which he is ineligible to seek another term.
Marine Le Pen, the far-right National Rally’s presidential candidate, said the government was “running on fumes, exhausted and disoriented”. Jordan Bardella, her party’s leading figure, described Macron’s address as “lamentable”, arguing that the authorities had little more to offer.
READ ALSO: French Police Fire Tear Gas, Stun Grenades to Disperse Protesters in Paris
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the left-wing France Unbowed party and another presidential contender, urged the president to address protesters’ demands, saying young people needed the crisis to reach a positive conclusion.
Macron, meanwhile, said France deserved a proper presidential election, with political debates taking place between parties rather than being overshadowed by street violence.
Arson and serious injuries
The unrest has caused extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in several cities. In Limoges, a fire destroyed the 19th-century town hall.
Local prefect Maurice Barate told French news channel LCI that the blaze had been deliberately started. In Lyon, a tourist office in the city centre was also set ablaze amid clashes and looting.
The violence left several young people seriously injured. Prosecutors said a 17-year-old boy lost his right hand after a crowd-control grenade exploded in Saint-Étienne, while a 17-year-old girl lost an eye in Mulhouse.
A Paris resident, 78-year-old Mehmet Ozeden, compared the destruction to a war zone, telling AFP that the scene was like “we had a war”.
Macron promises review of security response
Macron said senior officials would coordinate with mayors to protect cities, public buildings and businesses affected by the unrest. He also pledged support for businesses suffering losses and promised full transparency over the security forces’ handling of the demonstrations.
Facing criticism over the authorities’ preparations, Macron said he had instructed Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez to draw the necessary lessons, particularly concerning intelligence gathering and anticipating outbreaks of violence.
The president said he expected clear answers as the government reviews its response to one of France’s most serious episodes of urban unrest in recent years.
US President Donald Trump also weighed in, blaming immigration for the violence in a social media post. His remarks added an international dimension to a crisis that has placed France’s domestic security, economic grievances and political leadership under renewed scrutiny.
