Europe faces major unrest this weekend as protests over high living costs turned violent in France and spilled into Italy.
French streets on fire and shops looted
On Saturday 17 October 2026, hundreds of thousands marched across France against rising prices, poor public services and school problems. What started as mostly peaceful demonstrations quickly turned chaotic.
Masked groups set cars and barricades alight, smashed windows and looted shops. Louis Vuitton, Dior, Celine, Hermes and others were targeted in Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux and other cities.
About 1,500 businesses were damaged. In Limoges, protesters set fire to the historic 19th-century town hall, destroying much of the building. City halls and tourist offices in other places were also attacked. Police arrested nearly 2,400 people and around 1,000 officers were injured.
Macron calls for calm
President Emmanuel Macron spoke to the nation on Sunday evening. He condemned the “unbridled violence” and said nothing justifies the destruction. He drew a clear line between people with real grievances and those who smashed, burned and stole.
Macron promised that rioters and looters would face justice and called for calm and unity. Fresh clashes still broke out in Paris and Marseille on Sunday.
Riots reach Milan for a second night
In Italy, a protest in Milan against high living costs and wars also turned violent. Masked demonstrators threw stones, set fires and looted stores near the city centre.
Police used tear gas and water cannons. Around 50 people were detained on Saturday, with more checks on Sunday as unrest continued for a second night. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said demonstrating is a right but setting cities ablaze is not.
The weekend showed deep anger across parts of Europe over the cost of living. Clean-up work continues while authorities investigate and prepare for possible further protests.
