France faces damage and mass arrests after October 17 protests

France faced widespread damage and about 1,800 arrests on October 18 after protests across the country escalated into riots on October 17. A town hall was torched, shops were looted and police were attacked as President Emmanuel Macron’s government prepared its response, Reuters and AFP reported.

More than half a million people joined marches in scores of cities, according to Reuters. The large demonstrations included peaceful protesters, while violent groups attacked public buildings, shops and officers. The distinction matters as officials investigate who carried out the damage.

Arrests and injuries after the France protests

More than 500 officers were injured, Reuters reported, citing the interior minister. Reuters also reported that a protester died after suffering a cardiac arrest during demonstrations in Paris. Those figures describe reported consequences of the protests; the account of the death does not establish a further cause.

AFP reported that more than 500 people were in custody, citing the Paris prosecutor’s office, as arrests continued overnight into October 18. Most were suspected of receiving stolen goods, association with intent to commit violence or vandalism. The investigations were continuing, and an arrest does not establish guilt.

Damage to shops and public buildings

In Bordeaux, the mayor said up to 100 stores had been looted, Reuters reported. Marseille’s mayor announced emergency financial aid for affected businesses. Carrefour’s chief executive told BFMTV that 50 of its stores were damaged, including 20 that were looted, with losses running into dozens of millions of euros, according to Reuters.

In Paris, AFP described burnt barricades, smashed shop windows and torched cars. Paris deputy mayor Lamia El Aaraje said the capital had experienced a level of violence she believed it had never seen before. AFP also reported that a historic town hall was set alight amid the nationwide unrest.

How the demonstrations began

The protests began in September over school conditions and teacher shortages in working-class suburbs, Reuters reported. They broadened into demonstrations over inequality, public spending and the cost of living. That longer-running movement formed the backdrop to the October 17 marches and the subsequent violence.

Macron was scheduled to address the nation at 8 p.m. local time on October 18, his office said, according to Reuters. Ministers had pledged punishment for those responsible and support for victims as authorities began assessing the damage and pursuing investigations.