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France 24
France 24
National
FRANCE 24

'Like we had a war': France left reeling after nationwide violent protests

People inspect a destroyed vehicle, the day after clashes during a national day of demonstrations against the cost of living and rising fuel prices, in Paris, France, October 18, 2026
People inspect a destroyed vehicle, the day after clashes during a national day of demonstrations against the cost of living and rising fuel prices, in Paris, France, October 18, 2026. © Stephanie Lecocq, Reuters

France on Sunday is dealing with the aftermath of nationwide protests that damaged around 1,500 businesses and caused losses estimated at hundreds of millions of euros. Police arrested an estimated 1,800 people across the country during Saturday's demonstrations over the cost of living and school conditions.

France was reeling on Sunday from widespread damage caused by violent protests the day before that saw 1,800 people arrested, a historic town hall torched and widespread looting.

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