Macron condemns violence after protests lead to mass arrests

Summary

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned violence during a Sunday address, saying that nothing justified it, according to France 24. France 24 says police arrested more than 2,300 people over the weekend after violent groups clashed with officers and looted shops, while Fox News reports nearly 1,800 arrests. France 24 says demonstrations drew hundreds of thousands protesting living costs and poor school conditions; Fox News also says Macron faced criticism for attending a concert as unrest escalated. Al Jazeera reports Macron said protesters who attacked government buildings must pay for their crimes, while ABC News says he expressed anger and shame over the violence and condemned those he said sought to bring down the Republic. This follows earlier reports of looting and buildings ablaze during Saturday’s protests and Macron condemning the violence.

Timeline

1. Fox News

   18 Oct 2026, 16:10 UTCSource ↗

   Fox News reports nearly 1,800 arrests as Macron faced questions over his response and criticism for attending a concert while riots escalated, and says he was preparing to address the nation.

2. France 24

   18 Oct 2026, 18:44 UTCSource ↗

   France 24 reports that Macron said nothing justified the violence during his Sunday address, and that police arrested more than 2,300 people over the weekend after clashes and looting.

3. Al Jazeera

   18 Oct 2026, 21:10 UTCSource ↗

   Al Jazeera reports that Macron condemned the violence and said protesters who attacked government buildings need to pay for their crimes.

4. ABC News

   18 Oct 2026, 23:23 UTCSource ↗

   ABC News reports that Macron expressed anger and shame over the recent violence and condemned those he said sought to bring down the Republic.