Le Pen ally blames ‘traditional right-wing’ for riots because they helped Macron undermine ‘sovereign power’ in France

As of October 22, 2026, France is experiencing widespread protests and riots over poor school conditions and rising living costs. The unrest began with student demonstrations last month but has since expanded to include trade unions and remnants of the Yellow Vest movement. On October 17, tens of thousands took to the streets across France, protesting against high prices and social inequality. In Paris alone, authorities estimate nearly 40,000 protesters, facing a large police presence equipped with non-lethal weapons like tear gas and water cannons.

President Emmanuel Macron has called for calm but faces criticism over his handling of the protests. The government blames the hard-left party LFI for exacerbating tensions, though LFI denies this. Protesters have clashed with police, resulting in mass arrests and injuries; 8,000 people were arrested since the initial wave began, mostly teenagers under 18 years old. Additionally, some iconic sites like the Louvre Museum have been affected by blockades, raising concerns about protecting cultural heritage.

The protests highlight broader issues of social discontent and economic strain in France as Macron nears the end of his presidency.