France wakes up to damage after night of protests

Paris residents tell Al Jazeera they’re dismayed by the level of damage caused when Saturday’s protests turned violent.

French police arrested more than 1,000 people as riots and looting broke out. pic.twitter.com/9KntMNyigN

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

France is counting the cost of nationwide unrest after hundreds of thousands took to the streets in the largest mobilisation since protests over education reforms and the cost of living began last month.

🔗: https://t.co/9Tcy6Fv5zi pic.twitter.com/dOtruR0zkB

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