France hit by worst unrest in years as protests turn violent

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 18 Oct, 16:31 · Archive

Violent demonstrations across France left one dead, over 2000 arrested and more than 600 police injured.

France experienced one of its most violent days of unrest in years on Saturday as protests against rising living costs and declining public services erupted into riots across the country. One demonstrator died after suffering cardiac arrest during demonstrations in Paris. Police made more than 2000 arrests while more than 600 officers were injured, according to the interior minister.

More than half a million people joined marches in scores of cities, combining a month-long student movement with broader social discontent. Violent groups targeted public buildings, looted luxury boutiques and supermarkets, and attacked police vehicles and officers. A town hall was torched, buildings were covered in graffiti, and a masked mob invaded the residence of the local prefect in Bordeaux. The government blamed the violence on 'ultra-left' groups and criminals.

A massive clean-up operation began in cities from Lille in the north to Marseille in the south. President Emmanuel Macron will address the public at 8pm on Sunday. The unrest reflects deep anger at Macron, who leaves office in 2027 after a decade marked by social discontent, a weak economy and ballooning debt.

How it is being reported

• Macron to address France after worst unrest in yearsFrench police have made more than 2000 arrests across the country as protests against rising living costs turned into riots, the interior minister says.The West Australian · 18 Oct, 15:56
• Macron to address France after worst unrest in yearsFrench police have made more than 2000 arrests across the country as protests against rising living costs turned into riots, the interior minister says.Perth Now · 18 Oct, 15:55

In this story: Emmanuel Macron · France · Paris · Place de la Republique

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