Nationwide protests in France over rising living expenses and concerns about education resources escalated into violent clashes in several cities on Oct 17, with looting and arson reported and multiple high-end and mainstream retailers targeted, according to media reports.
France's Interior Ministry estimated that about 550,000 people took part in demonstrations across the country, while the General Confederation of Labour (CGT) put the turnout at around 800,000.
What began largely as peaceful marches in many areas later deteriorated in some locations, as masked individuals clashed with police and carried out attacks on shops and public buildings. In Marseille, dozens of stores were damaged, including branches of Galeries Lafayette and luxury brands such as Hermès, alongside jewelry, cosmetics, clothing, and home-appliance retailers, AFP reported.
In Bordeaux, the city center—particularly Rue Sainte-Catherine—was described by Le Parisien as a hotspot for looting. Stores including Louis Vuitton, Rolex, Apple, and Decathlon were among those targeted, prompting authorities to deploy the RAID elite police unit, which handles high-risk incidents. Similar incidents were reported in Lyon, where shops including Louis Vuitton, The North Face, and Jott were looted, while an Apple store in Lille was also broken into.
As unrest continued, France's prime minister Sébastien Lecornu said on the evening of Oct 17 that around 1,200 people had been arrested nationwide and 150 police officers were injured.
In Saint-Étienne, a 17-year-old reportedly lost his right hand during the protests after a riot-control grenade hit him. Le Monde reported that the police oversight body IGPN has opened an investigation. Prosecutor Anne Gaches said authorities were still establishing the circumstances and the extent of the teenager's injuries, while Mayor Régis Juanico voiced support for the victim and his family, calling such tragedies unacceptable.
Elsewhere, arson attacks were reported. In Limoges, a city hall building with a history spanning more than 140 years was set on fire and severely damaged. City halls in Marseille and Lille also reportedly suffered breaches and vandalism.
President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence, warning that those who attack businesses, public institutions, or government premises would face legal consequences. AFP noted that most demonstrators remained peaceful and should not be conflated with those involved in looting and arson.
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