French government admits police lost control during weekend riots as Marine Le Pen gains popularity

Summary

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu met with union leaders as his government admitted that law enforcement officers had lost control during weekend protests that brought scenes of violence and looting, according to France 24. The country is bracing for more protests, as the Yellow Vest movement has called on demonstrators to take to the streets on Saturday. France 24 also reports that far-right leader Marine Le Pen is gaining popularity as the events unfold. Her National Rally is set to hold a two-day party congress in Orleans this weekend, where she is expected to officially launch her presidential campaign. The latest Ifop poll, taken after the mass protests and riots, suggests she would win the first round of the presidential election by a wide margin, with far-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon emerging as her most likely opponent in the runoff.

Timeline

1. France 24

   21 Oct 2026, 15:29 UTCSource ↗

   France 24 reports that Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu met with union leaders, that his government admitted law enforcement officers lost control during weekend protests marked by violence and looting, and that far-right leader Marine Le Pen is gaining popularity.

2. France 24

   21 Oct 2026, 18:56 UTCSource ↗

   France 24 reports that Marine Le Pen is set to officially launch her presidential campaign this weekend at the National Rally two-day party congress in Orleans, and that the latest Ifop poll after the riots suggests she would win the first round by a wide margin, with Jean-Luc Melenchon her most likely runoff opponent.