among the businesses targeted.
Despite the violence, hundreds of thousands of people participated in largely peaceful demonstrations across France.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez estimated national participation at approximately 550,000, while the CGT trade union placed the figure closer to 800,000.
Government blames radical groups
French authorities accused radical far-left groups and opportunistic criminals of exploiting the demonstrations.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed the arrest figures and police injuries, while President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence and promised legal action against those responsible.
However, the government’s response has also attracted criticism. Allegations of excessive police force, including the use of stun grenades, have raised concerns about policing methods and the treatment of young demonstrators.
Economic frustration fuels national mobilisation
The protests originated partly in student demonstrations demanding better educational conditions, but have expanded into a broader movement against inflation, declining purchasing power and pressure on France’s welfare system.
Calls to revive the Yellow Vest movement, which emerged in 2018, have added momentum to the mobilisation.
The unrest comes as France approaches its 2027 presidential election, with political divisions sharpening over economic policy, public spending and social inequality.
For businesses and investors, the disturbances introduce additional uncertainty at a time when France faces mounting fiscal pressures and concerns about economic growth.
The central challenge for the government remains balancing public order with the right to peaceful protest while addressing the underlying economic grievances driving the demonstrations.
NewsHub Finance | Europe & Politics | 18 October 2026
among the businesses targeted.
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