The French government revealed that 1,314 protesters were arrested following clashes during a large demonstration last Saturday, with several dozen more injured. However, the damage was considered less severe than before.
On Sunday, 25 Oct 2026 GMT+7, France's Ministry of the Interior announced that police had arrested over 1,314 demonstrators after a new nationwide protest on Saturday against the cost of living. Violence erupted at multiple locations with clashes between police and protesters.
This marks the second consecutive weekend of nationwide protests in France as the country moves toward presidential elections in April and May to choose a successor for Emmanuel Macron, who has completed two terms.
The Ministry reported that police responded to 75 fires during Saturday's protests and 24 stores were looted, with several investigations launched. Nevertheless, after initial clashes, the demonstrations throughout the night remained peaceful.
Regarding protesters, the Ministry did not specify exact injury numbers, but late Saturday night Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez disclosed that two protesters were seriously injured: one in Toulouse lost several fingers on his right hand, and another in Clermont-Ferrand sustained hand injuries but no finger loss.
Meanwhile, in Poitiers, a 19-year-old man was reported to have sustained a left eye injury during a police charge using smoke bombs and tear gas.
The damage from Saturday's protests was significantly less than the major unrest the previous weekend, which saw rioting, fires set to buildings, vehicles, and signs, over 2,000 stores looted, and more than 100 police officers injured.
The extent of the prior damage drew heavy criticism of the government's handling capabilities, prompting authorities to deploy over 70,000 police officers across cities during Saturday's protests to prevent a repeat.
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Source:cna