Jakarta, ThedailyID — Protests over rising living costs turned violent across France on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Demonstrators clashed with police in Paris and several other cities ahead of the 2027 presidential election, when voters will choose a successor to Emmanuel Macron.
“The government is trembling, and rightly so, because when the French people are angry, they never stop,” said Ryad Rani, head of the LSU high school student representative body, according to AFP.
In Lyon, masked youths set fire to a tourism office. Riot police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse hundreds of protesters blocking their way.
In Marseille, demonstrators stormed city hall, toppled a statue, and damaged property. Police later forced them out, while the local mayor called for more officers. In Lille, protesters broke into the mayor’s office and damaged the building before leaving.
Meanwhile, tens of thousands marched through eastern and northern Paris. Some chanted “Everyone hates the police” and “Macron, step down.” Protesters also smashed windows at the CNews and Europe 1 television offices and set fire to parked cars. Police reported more than 130 arrests in the capital.
The Yellow Vests movement, known for its protests against planned fuel tax increases eight years ago, called for nationwide demonstrations under the banner “Yellow and Youth.” Organizers said they had planned more than 600 actions across France.
Many demonstrators blamed rising living costs, with inflation reportedly exceeding 3% amid the war in the Middle East. Others condemned alleged police brutality during student protests that have shaken France over the past four weeks.
Eighteen-year-old student Kamil Alahyan said he joined the demonstrations for several reasons. These included the upcoming election, dishonest politicians, and the growing wealth of the super-rich over the past decade.
The unrest has also fueled political tensions ahead of the election. Far-right presidential hopeful Marine Le Pen accused rioters of hijacking the protests and blamed far-left groups for taking over the demonstrators’ demands. In contrast, far-left rival Jean-Luc Mélenchon said most demonstrations remained peaceful. He also accused television stations of focusing too heavily on violent scenes.
Macron called on Friday for people to respect others and protect property. However, concerns about household finances remain widespread. A survey of 2,000 people released earlier this month found that around 45% of French residents worried about the cost of living.
France’s public debt is also projected to exceed 120% of gross domestic product next year. Franck, a civil servant in his 40s from Guéret, said rising prices and stagnant wages left him with no money at the end of each month.
“We can’t take it anymore. We are being suffocated,” he said.
