Cost-of-living protests in France turn into looting and vandalism of shops

Shops in several French cities were looted and vandalised on Saturday, 17 October, on the sidelines of nationwide cost-of-living protests. Witnesses and authorities said the targets ranged from a high-end luxury brand to a bakery. The unrest comes as public anger grows ahead of next year's presidential election, which will choose a successor to President Emmanuel Macron.

Paris

Near République square in Paris, the front window of a skincare brand's store came crashing down, and looters threw beauty products to dozens of people gathered outside. After a break-in at a telecommunications shop, mobile phones were also tossed into the crowd.

The main monument on the square was covered in graffiti, with paving stones ripped up around its base, and a bar called "La Barrique" was on fire. Another reporter said youths broke into a nearby supermarket and hurled alcohol bottles and drink cans at police officers.

Other cities

In Marseille, France's second-largest city, angry protesters vandalised dozens of shops. Targets included the luxury brand Hermès and stores selling jewellery, clothes, makeup, household appliances and even bread. The fire brigade said it put out a fire that had started at a shoe shop.

In the northern city of Lille, shops were vandalised, and looters broke into an Apple Store in the city centre, according to Socialist mayor Arnaud Deslandes. In the southern city of Nice, several stores were looted, among them sportswear outlets and a motorbike dealership.

Background

Purchasing power in France has been shrinking since 2024, while fuel prices have soared since the start of the US-Iran war earlier this year. Public anger has also risen in recent weeks over perceived police brutality towards high-school student protests.