Key facts
- Police fired teargas and clashed with protesters in Paris and Marseille.
- Tens of thousands demonstrated nationwide against high living costs and social welfare system issues.
- Protesters stormed and vandalized a town hall in Marseille.
- Over 900 police officers were injured nationwide.
- Dozens of protesters were arrested across the country.
Clashes erupted between police and protesters across France on Saturday, October 17, 2026, as tens of thousands demonstrated against the high cost of living and perceived failings of the social welfare system. Tensions flared on the fringes of nationwide rallies, with police firing teargas at masked individuals in Paris who threw fireworks and attacked property. In Marseille, protesters stormed and vandalized the town hall. The demonstrations, which began last month over school issues, have broadened to include calls for higher wages, pensions, and protection of public services. French authorities reported over 900 police officers injured and dozens of arrests nationwide.