Macron Admits Failures After Student Protests Turn to Riots Across France

Emmanuel Macron has admitted failures after days of violent unrest across France, with curfews imposed in parts of Paris as of Oct. 19.

The French president, who had served almost 10 years in office as of October 2026, vowed support for businesses hit by the violence, according to Al Jazeera. He also ordered a security review after protests descended into riots and looting, according to Fox News. He did not declare a state of emergency, the exceptional powers a government can invoke to expand police authority, according to Reuters.

What started as student demonstrations at the start of the fall term snowballed into violent riots in multiple cities. The initial protests concerned conditions in France's 3,700 high schools. In early October, about 400 schools closed as some demonstrations turned violent, and unions called for teachers to strike as riot police clashed with high school students.

The unrest widened beyond schools. Civilians rallied over the cost of living, and separate demonstrations raised concerns about declining public services. In some places, the earliest rioters attacked riot police and government buildings before official protests were set to begin.

Clashes were reported in Rennes, Lyon and Strasbourg, among other cities. Police fired teargas during school protests. In one confrontation, police scuffled with protesters who threw plants, chairs and benches toward officers.

The toll has been heavy for schools. More than 6,000 arrests were made in connection with the school protests, and more than 100 schools were damaged, according to CNN. French schools were on a two-week break as of Oct. 19, following weekend riots, according to Reuters.