The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, has issued a stern warning that criminal action will be taken, as protests across the country erupted in violence over the weekend.

Protests initially started peacefully on Saturday, as hundreds of thousands of citizens held demonstrations over the rising cost of living and deteriorating public services.

Chaos ensued later, with rioting, businesses looted and buildings damaged and set alight. 2,400 people have reportedly been arrested, some of whom Macron said would be prosecuted and punished. He added that nothing justifies the violence and appealed for calm and order.

The French Interior Ministry estimated that 550,000 people participated in the protests. Organisers put the turnout at around 800,000, including approximately 110,000 demonstrators in Paris.

The demonstrations brought together students, trade unions, Yellow Vest movement supporters and other citizens angry about inflation, social inequality and worsening conditions in schools.

What began largely as peaceful marches descended into violence in several cities, including Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse and Limoges.

Vehicles and public buildings were set alight, shops were looted, and protesters clashed with police. In Limoges, a major fire severely damaged the historic city hall, with its roof and tower collapsing.

Witnesses say masked protesters set fire to Limoges town hall, which officials say is now ‘largely lost’. In Paris, fires, looting and tear gas marked a night of unrest as cost-of-living protests raged on throughout the country. https://t.co/5ywUwfsQvW

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) October 18, 2026

French authorities reported more than 500 police officers, firefighters and other emergency personnel injured during the unrest.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu also condemned the destruction, while acknowledging the right of people to demonstrate peacefully.

The protests reflect growing public frustration over household expenses and the state of public services, particularly education.

Trade unions have called for further strike action on November 5, raising the prospect of renewed disruption across the country.