AP
France Protests
A man tries to extinguish a fire during clashes between protesters and police in Paris, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026.
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Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests
French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed anger and shame over recent violence in France. Protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions have led to clashes with police and looting, resulting in at least 1,800 arrests across the country. Macron blamed radical far-left groups and criminals. He held an emergency meeting with officials and instructed measures to protect public buildings. In Paris, new tensions flared with protesters Sunday and police using tear gas. The unrest has caused significant damage, with hundreds of businesses looted across the country.
