Nearly 1,800 arrested after violent protests in France

French authorities have arrested around 1,800 people following nationwide protests that descended into violence, looting and attacks on public buildings, leaving the government under pressure to restore order.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced the arrests on Sunday, October 18, as officials assessed the damage caused by demonstrations that had spread across the country. A separate report put the provisional number of arrests at about 2,000, highlighting that the figures could change as investigations continue.

In Paris, police said a record 855 people had been arrested. Streets were left littered with the remains of burnt barricades, while several shops suffered smashed windows and other damage.

A historic town hall was also set on fire during the unrest, adding to concerns about the scale of the violence and the protection of public buildings.

The demonstrations followed weeks of student protests that had at times turned violent. They were fuelled by concerns about the cost of living and conditions in the education sector, according to reports.

The latest clashes have increased pressure on President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu as the government faces criticism over its handling of the demonstrations.

Nuñez said investigations were under way to identify those responsible for the violence and bring them before the courts. He blamed groups he described as determined to attack public buildings and law enforcement officers, while also accusing criminals of taking advantage of the unrest to loot businesses.

A separate report said around 600 police officers, gendarmes and firefighters had been injured, although that figure was also described as provisional.

The violence has raised concerns about public safety, the cost of repairing damaged infrastructure and the impact on businesses affected by looting and vandalism.

France has experienced repeated waves of protests in recent years over pension reforms, economic pressures and government policies. However, the scale of the latest arrests and the reported damage have intensified debate about policing, public order and the government’s response to social discontent.

The unrest also comes as France prepares for the next presidential election, expected in 2027. Macron is approaching the end of his presidency, and the political response to the demonstrations could become an issue in the contest to succeed him.

The government faces pressure to hold those responsible for violence accountable while addressing the grievances that contributed to the protests.

Authorities have not yet provided a complete assessment of the financial damage, and investigations into the attacks remain ongoing.

The arrest figures and injury toll may be revised as police gather further information. Officials have urged witnesses and people with evidence to assist investigators as France works to restore normality following the unrest.

(afp)