22.10.2026 18:04
French President Emmanuel Macron suggested that organized far-left groups aiming to overthrow the Republic were behind the violence and looting incidents on October 17. As the government increases security measures ahead of new protests on October 24, soldiers are planned to protect public buildings and sensitive sites.
Following the violent incidents during protests against the cost of living and education policies in France, the government is taking new measures. Macron argued that the events were “insurrectionary in nature.”
SECURITY MEETING AT THE ELYSEE
After the violence and looting during the October 17 protests, the government is increasing security measures ahead of new protests planned for October 24. Macron met with Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, relevant ministers and heads of intelligence agencies at the Elysee Palace in Paris. The meeting discussed why the events could not be prevented and new measures to be taken.
“THERE WERE CLEARLY SHORTCOMINGS IN FORESIGHT”
Speaking after the meeting, Macron said, “It is clear that there were shortcomings and unexpected developments in the advance forecasting of last Saturday’s events,” and acknowledged that there were inadequacies in the preparations of security units. According to Macron, investigations into the events are ongoing. Several thousand people were detained and hundreds were sent to prison.
CLAIM THAT “THEY AIM TO OVERTHROW THE REPUBLIC”
Claiming that organized far-left groups were behind the violence, Macron said, “Last Saturday, we faced political and even insurrectionary actions carried out by organized far-left groups aiming to overthrow the Republic.” Macron alleged that these groups acted in a planned and extremely dangerous manner. He stressed that looting and other crimes should be assessed separately.
INSTRUCTION TO BAN DEMONSTRATIONS
Macron asked that demonstrations not organized by trade unions be banned wherever possible. He stated that alternative routes could be designated for union marches. Macron said, “Our general recommendation is that no demonstrations be held in the coming days. In response to organizations’ applications, prefectures will propose alternative routes. We will ban demonstrations not organized by trade union organizations wherever possible.” Macron also announced that a Defense Council would convene under his chairmanship on October 23 to assess additional security measures.
DECISION FOR YELLOW VESTS TO BE MADE CITY BY CITY
Asked whether demonstrations by the Yellow Vests movement would be banned, government spokesperson Maud Bregeon replied that decisions would be made city by city. Bregeon recalled that bans on demonstrations could be challenged in administrative courts.
“WE DO NOT USE INTELLIGENCE FOR POLITICAL PURPOSES”
After the government linked the France Unbowed (LFI) party to the violence, allegations arose that intelligence was being used for political purposes. Bregeon rejected these allegations, saying, “The Prime Minister and the Interior Minister do not use intelligence agencies for political purposes.”
SOLDIERS TO PROTECT SENSITIVE POINTS
The Ministry of the Interior sent an instruction to the police force requesting that the proportion of security personnel on duty over the weekend be increased from 60 percent to 75 percent. As part of security preparations, special intervention units as well as armored vehicles, helicopters and riot control vehicles are expected to be kept ready. Soldiers are planned to protect public buildings and sensitive points rather than intervene against protesters. This is intended to allow police and gendarmerie to focus on public order incidents.
PROSECUTOR: NO ONE DECLARED A POLITICAL PURPOSE
Paris Chief Prosecutor Laure Beccuau announced that 557 people were detained in the files handled by the prosecutor’s office at the initial stage. Stating that around 300 people were referred to judicial authorities, Beccuau said that none of these people declared that they acted for political purposes.
INTEREST-FREE LOANS OF UP TO 50,000 EUROS FOR BUSINESSES
The government announced support measures for businesses damaged in the events of October 17 and 18. Accordingly, businesses will be able to apply through the public investment bank Bpifrance for interest-free loans of up to 50,000 euros with a three-year maturity. Businesses forced to stop or reduce operations will receive short-time work support.
WAGE SUPPORT FOR EMPLOYEES
Employees unable to work will be paid 60 percent of their gross wage, while minimum-wage workers will receive 100 percent. In businesses with fewer than 250 employees that meet the support conditions, the state will cover the full cost of these payments. Employers’ social security contributions may be deferred for up to 12 months. A special support fund will be established for businesses with fewer than 50 employees that suffered severe damage. Emergency assistance of up to 1,500 euros may be provided to tradespeople and artisans.
PROTESTS HAD STARTED IN SEPTEMBER
The protests, which began in September in reaction to education conditions, spread nationwide after demands regarding the cost of living and public services were added. During the October 17 demonstrations, clashes with police broke out in many cities, businesses were looted, and vehicles and public buildings were set on fire.
MEETING WITH PARTIES ON OCTOBER 26
In a statement the previous day, Macron emphasized that violence was unacceptable in any form and said, “No violence is legitimate. Neither verbal nor physical, neither against property nor against people.” Stating that the demands of students and other social groups should be assessed separately from the violent incidents, Macron announced that the government would meet with student and teacher representatives, trade unions, employer organizations and local governments on October 26.