World

Massive French Protests: Police Fire Tear Gas in Paris

Stateline MEDIA Newsroom•October 18, 2026•3 min read

Hundreds of thousands protested across France on Oct 17, 2026. Police fired tear gas in Paris; 166 people were arrested. Macron warned against violence.

Key Facts

Gelombang demonstrasi besar mengguncang Prancis pada Sabtu, 17 Oktober 2026; Kementerian Dalam Negeri Prancis memperkirakan sekitar 500 aksi direncanakan di berbagai wilayah, dari Paris hingga kota-kota besar lain.
Menurut laporan BFMTV yang mengutip sumber kepolisian, 30.000 hingga 60.000 orang diperkirakan mengikuti demonstrasi di Paris, sedangkan jumlah peserta di seluruh negeri diproyeksikan mencapai 90.000 hingga 170.000 orang.
CNN Indonesia melaporkan hingga siang hari tercatat 140 demonstrasi di luar wilayah Paris dengan lebih dari 30.000 peserta, sementara sedikitnya 166 orang ditangkap di seluruh negeri.
Polisi menembakkan gas air mata dan meriam air ke massa di Paris; sejumlah stasiun metro ditutup dan Kepolisian Paris melarang aksi di sekitar kediaman Presiden Emmanuel Macron.
Presiden Macron menyatakan "No place for violence" (tidak ada tempat untuk kekerasan) menanggapi bentrokan antara demonstran dan aparat di sejumlah kota.
Aksi bermula dari tuntutan pelajar soal pendidikan (kekurangan guru, kelas padat, bangunan sekolah) dan meluas menjadi protes biaya hidup, ketimpangan, serta pendanaan publik; gelombang protes juga merembet ke Belgia.

Hundreds of Thousands March, Paris Paralyzed

A wave of demonstrations against the rising cost of living shook France and spilled into Belgium on Saturday, October 17, 2026. What began among students escalated into broader protests over inequality, education funding, public spending, and living standards, while clashes with authorities broke out in several cities.

The French Ministry of the Interior estimated that around 500 actions were planned nationwide. According to a BFMTV report citing police sources, 30,000 to 60,000 people were expected to join demonstrations in Paris, while turnout nationwide was projected to reach 90,000 to 170,000 people.

According to a report by CNN Indonesia, by midday 140 demonstrations were recorded outside the Paris region with over 30,000 participants, while at least 166 people were arrested nationwide. Police fired tear gas and pepper spray to push back thousands of demonstrators in Paris who held their ground and threw bottles at officers.

Tear Gas in Paris, Metro Stations Closed

Anger among an alliance of students, university attendees, workers, and 'Yellow Vests' (Rompi Kuning) members peaked amid the surging cost of living and deteriorating educational facilities under President Emmanuel Macron's administration. In Paris, several metro stations were closed at the request of police in anticipation of the demonstrations. The newspaper Le Monde reported that Paris police also barred rallies near the residences of President Emmanuel Macron and the prime minister on Saturday.

A wide variety of groups were expected to take part, including radical left-wing activists, students, former Yellow Vests movement participants, taxi drivers, nurses, construction workers, and trade union representatives. The widening pool of participants reflected the diverse demands driving the wave of unrest.

Responding to the spreading clashes, President Emmanuel Macron stated: 'No place for violence'. The statement came as demonstrators and police clashed in several cities across France.

Sparked by Student Demands Over Education

This wave of action stemmed from three weeks of student protests that shut down numerous schools across France. Students highlighted teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and the state of school buildings requiring repairs. They argued that education funding failed to match the needs of students and schools.

Those demands soon drew support from parents, teachers, and other community groups. The mobilization subsequently broadened into a platform addressing poverty, inequality, rising fuel prices, and government spending priorities. The previous week, a French government spokesperson conveyed that Macron considered the students' grievances 'legitimate', though he believed they were also being 'exploited' by political forces.

At the regional level, protests reportedly spilled into Belgium as well, signaling similar discontent crossing national borders. With the French presidential election scheduled for April and May next year, this wave of protests is anticipated to be a defining factor shaping France's political landscape and public policy in the months ahead.