France Reels From Worst Riots in Years Over Cost of Living

By Trending9ja Staff • October 19, 2026 • 4 min read

France is reeling from one of its most violent weekends in years after protests over high prices and public services spiralled into riots. More than 2,000 people were arrested, hundreds of police injured, and one demonstrator died.

In Limoges, the 143-year-old town hall was set ablaze and largely destroyed. Shops were looted and buildings vandalised in Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux and other cities. President Macron addressed the nation, expressing “anger and shame,” while authorities imposed curfews in parts of central Paris and other cities.

Organisers said up to 800,000 people marched; officials put the figure closer to 550,000. The unrest mixes student protests with broader cost-of-living anger ahead of the 2027 elections.

Sources: Reuters • The Guardian • Al Jazeera • BBC • France 24