France detains over 1,800 as nation reels from worst unrest in years

France woke up today to the aftermath of one of its most violent days of unrest in years, after protests over rising prices and declining public services resulted in the death of a demonstrator, hundreds of police officers injured, and nearly 1,800 people arrested.

Demonstrations across the country descended into riots yesterday, with a town hall set on fire, shops looted, buildings covered in graffiti, and violent groups clashing with police in cities nationwide.

One protester died from cardiac arrest during demonstrations in Paris, where police recorded an unprecedented 855 arrests. Across France, the Interior Minister said police detained around 1,800 people in total, with more than 500 police officers injured.

More than half a million people joined marches in dozens of cities, as a month-long student movement merged with broader social discontent over the rising cost of living and declining public services.

While hundreds of thousands protested peacefully, violent groups targeted public buildings, looted luxury boutiques and major stores, and attacked police vehicles and officers.

President Emmanuel Macron wrote on his X account as unrest escalated on Saturday night: "There is no place for violence in our Republic. Those who looted, attacked neighborhoods and shops, and even ransacked town halls will be prosecuted and punished."

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The unrest has increased pressure on Macron and his government. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said the government "will not give in" to violence, blaming the turmoil on the "far left" and criminals, as next year's presidential election approaches.

The protests began last month over school conditions and teacher shortages in working-class suburbs, before expanding into a wider movement against inequality, public spending cuts, and the rising cost of living.