Mass riots in France: Macron announces tough measures

Editorial staff

19 October 2026, 09:54

Mass riots in France: Macron announces tough measures

Photo Author: AFP via Getty Images

The French Government held an emergency meeting due to the large-scale illegalities and disruption of public order in the country. The crisis cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, discussed the consequences of the weekend's events and future security measures.

Last Saturday, more than 500,000 citizens across the country took part in a peaceful protest against the increase in the cost of living and the decrease in the quality of public services, including education. However, acts of vandalism and looting by radical groups took place during the march.

According to the official information of the French Ministry of the Interior:

About 1,500 trade and commercial facilities were damaged and looted;
About 1,000 law enforcement officers received various degrees of injuries (including 7 officers in serious condition);
Special tools and equipment were used to restore public order.

French President Emmanuel Macron, in his televised address to the nation on Sunday, announced that those involved in violations of the law will be strictly prosecuted within the law and called on citizens for patience and national unity. At the same time, the President of the Lower House of the French Parliament, Yael Braun-Pivet, initiated a special parliamentary investigation to determine the circumstances of the events.

Currently, the Government is facing the tasks of paying compensation to the injured entrepreneurs, strengthening the security system of cities and establishing a dialogue with representatives of the education sector. Political instability in the country and competition on the eve of the next presidential election are further complicating the social situation.

Officials plan to revise security protocols ahead of new nationwide demonstrations scheduled for November 5.

Mass riots in France: Macron announces tough measures

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