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France Arrests 2,400 in Worst Unrest in Decades

NovaTube News 2026-10-18 Original source ↗

France has experienced its worst street violence in decades, with 2,400 arrests and nearly 1,000 police officers injured as protests over high prices and public service problems escalated into riots. Buildings were burned and shops looted across the country, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to declare that violent protesters will face justice. Clashes erupted in Paris and Marseille, where riot police intervened to prevent attempts to ransack businesses. Nationwide demonstrations had earlier spiraled into riots, with a town hall set on fire and other public buildings damaged. The unrest reflects deep-seated frustrations over economic pressures and perceived government failures. This BBC News report captures the scale of the violence and the government's response, highlighting the challenges facing France as it grapples with social unrest. The arrests and injuries underscore the intensity of the clashes and the potential for further instability.