PARIS, October 18 — Protests against the high cost of living swept across France on Saturday, drawing more than half a million people into the streets and leading to hundreds of arrests as demonstrations in several cities degenerated into clashes, vandalism and arson.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said about 550,000 people took part in protests nationwide, including 110,000 in Paris. The CGT union put the turnout at around 800,000. The demonstrations were called by student organizations, the Yellow Vests movement, climate activists and farmers, united by anger over inflation, stagnant wages and deteriorating public services.
Approximately 400 people were arrested across the country, according to the Interior Ministry, with earlier tallies putting the figure at 272 by mid‑afternoon. In Paris and other cities including Marseille, Lyon, Limoges and Grenoble, hooded demonstrators clashed with police, set fire to vehicles and targeted government buildings and media offices. Police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse crowds.
The unrest marks a significant escalation of social tensions less than six months before France’s presidential election, presenting a fresh challenge to President Emmanuel Macron’s government. The scale of the mobilization — comparable to the Yellow Vests protests of 2018‑2019 — signals that cost‑of‑living grievances remain a potent political force.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu condemned what he called “organized violence” and vowed that those responsible would face justice. Interior Minister Nunez said the arrests reflected the government’s determination to maintain public order while acknowledging the “legitimate concerns” behind the protests.
The protests also spilled beyond France’s borders, with smaller demonstrations reported in Belgium, Portugal and Italy, according to European media.