19.10.2026 06:30
As protests in France turned into violence, 2,397 people were detained nationwide and about a thousand security personnel were injured. President Emmanuel Macron's message that governors could use the authority to ban demonstrations fueled the debate. As clashes continued in the streets, calls for resignation rose from the opposition. It also drew attention that Macron did not cancel his Middle East visit despite the crisis in the country.
Mass protests that began with reactions to the cost of living and education conditions in France turned into violent clashes in many cities across the country. In many cities, especially Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Limoges, protesters and police faced off while public buildings were set on fire and businesses were looted. As tensions rose in the country, President Emmanuel Macron's statement that protests could be banned sparked a new debate.
MACRON'S CONTROVERSIAL BAN STATEMENT
In a televised address to the public from the Elysee Palace on the evening of October 18, Macron sharply criticized the violent incidents during the protests. Stating that public order must be ensured in cities, Macron announced that governors could ban some demonstrations in coordination with mayors.
While emphasizing that no concessions would be made to those involved in violent incidents, Macron said that protesters who took to the streets with legitimate demands and those involved in looting and destruction must be distinguished from one another.
2,397 DETENTIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY
According to the latest figures announced by the French Ministry of the Interior, 2,397 people were detained during the protests on October 17. While 997 police officers and gendarmes were injured in the incidents, it was reported that 7 of them were in serious condition.
Different figures were also announced regarding participation in the protests. While the Ministry of the Interior announced that 550,000 people attended the demonstrations nationwide, the CGT union reported that the number was 800,000.
NEW INCIDENTS IN PARIS DURING MACRON'S SPEECH
Incidents occurred again in Paris during the hours when Macron addressed the public on television. While clashes broke out between security forces and protesters in the capital, tension also continued in Lyon.
In the city of Limoges, the historic city hall was heavily damaged in a fire, while in Marseille the city hall was targeted in attacks. In some cities, looting and destruction occurred despite interventions by security forces.
15-YEAR-OLD GIRL LOSES ONE EYE
One of the most serious incidents during the protests occurred in the city of Mulhouse. It was announced that a 15-year-old girl hit by tear gas ammunition during the demonstrations permanently lost her left eye.
Following the incident, the French police's internal oversight unit IGPN intervened, and an investigation was launched into the security forces' intervention.
HARSH REACTION TO MACRON FROM THE OPPOSITION
The events in France also deepened the political crisis. While Marine Le Pen made statements questioning Macron's authority, Jean-Luc Melenchon accused the President of turning a blind eye to the deepening crisis.
Bruno Retailleau, who is preparing for the presidential election, held the head of state responsible for what happened. The opposition's statements enlarged the debates over the government's handling of the protests.
PROMISE OF AID FOR LOOTED BUSINESSES
After many businesses were damaged during the violent incidents, Macron announced that rapid support would be provided to looted businesses.
The President also requested an investigation into whether there had been shortcomings in intelligence and security preparations before the protests. He stated that the intervention methods of the security forces would also be examined.
MACRON CALLS POLITICAL PARTIES AND UNIONS TO THE TABLE
Macron announced that Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu would hold meetings with political parties, unions, student organizations, and local officials.
Stating that demands especially concerning young people's education conditions and the cost of living would be addressed, Macron said the government would work on concrete solution proposals.
HIS COUNTRY WAS IN TURMOIL, BUT HE DID NOT CANCEL HIS MIDDLE EAST VISIT
While protests and political debates continued in France, Macron's failure to cancel his three-day Middle East visit also drew attention.
While Macron announced that he would continue his planned foreign policy program despite the security crisis in his country, how developments in domestic politics would be managed became a matter of curiosity.