Macron vows accountability as France protests over living costs and schools lead to 1,800 arrests

The French president said those responsible for looting and violence would be held accountable following nationwide demonstrations.

French President Emmanuel Macron vowed accountability after protests over living costs and school conditions led to 1,800 arrests. File photo: Screengrab/TF1 via Reuters
1 min read  |  Published: 19 Oct 2026

Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday expressed the public's ‘anger’ and ‘shame’ over nationwide protests against rising living costs and poor conditions in schools, which have resulted in at least 1,800 arrests.

Speaking in an address to the nation, Macron said, “Those who looted will have to pay back for the damage, and those who sought to bring down the Republic will be held accountable.”

He pointed to ‘unrestrained violence’ by “insurrectionist elements from radical far-left groups, joined by numerous criminals.”

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