France Protests Turn Violent, Over 2,000 Arrested and 600 Security Personnel Injured

sajadi Editor : Widi - 16 hours yang lalu

16 hours yang lalu

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Paris, MINA – Protests over the rising cost of living and poor school conditions in France have escalated into violent unrest in several cities, leaving more than 2,000 people arrested and over 600 police officers, gendarmes and firefighters injured.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced the preliminary figures on Sunday, October 18, following nationwide demonstrations held the previous day.

The October 17 mobilization drew approximately 550,000 participants, according to government estimates, while organizers put the figure at around 800,000, Le Monde reported.

In Paris, security forces deployed tear gas and water cannons as masked groups set fire to vehicles and bicycles and threw fireworks at officers.

Authorities reported 855 arrests in the Paris region, with 557 people taken into custody. Nuñez also said hundreds of businesses had been looted in Paris, Marseille, Lyon and Bordeaux.

Violence was also reported in other cities. In Lyon, masked individuals set fire to the tourism office, while a fire in Limoges caused the roof of the city hall to collapse.

Paris police reported that one person had died of a heart attack, although further details were not immediately provided. At least two demonstrators were seriously injured, according to AFP.

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence and said those responsible for destruction must be held accountable. Addressing the nation on Sunday evening, he expressed anger and shame over the events.

Nuñez and Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu blamed radical far-left groups for triggering some of the violence, saying other participants subsequently joined in looting and destruction.

Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said no Indonesian citizens had been involved in the protests. The ministry urged Indonesians in France to remain vigilant amid the unrest.

The demonstrations began about a month ago with student protests demanding better school conditions. They subsequently expanded into a broader movement against rising prices and the cost of living, with similar protests reported in Belgium, Italy and Portugal.

The unrest reflects mounting public dissatisfaction over inflation, household expenses and the quality of public services, particularly education. The demonstrations have also increased pressure on the French government to respond to protesters’ concerns.

While the violence and looting have drawn condemnation from French leaders, the protests have highlighted broader economic and social grievances. Authorities have pledged to restore public order and hold those responsible for criminal acts accountable as concerns continue over further disruptions.[]

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)