# How a day of protests unfolded as disorder spread across France

https://mins.news/en/item/104691

- BBC News, 2026-10-17 21:33 UTC
- Society
- Original: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/cwz0vy770gpzo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss

> An estimated 550,000 people protested across France, calling for more investment in education and action on rising living costs. Demonstrations turned violent, with cars and buildings set alight and shops ransacked. At least 1,200 people were arrested on Saturday as riot police used tear gas and water cannons. Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence and said vandals and looters would be prosecuted and punished.

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- [Hundreds arrested as violent protests sweep France, with buildings burned and looted](https://mins.news/en/video/104675) — BBC News, 2026-10-17
- [More than 500,000 take to streets across France on October 17, union says](https://mins.news/en/item/104657) — TASS, 2026-10-17
- [Looters raid and vandalize shops amid massive French protests](https://mins.news/en/item/104631) — France 24, 2026-10-17