France riots live updates: 'Apocalyptic' scenes as violent protesters take to the streets for ANOTHER day - following night of looting

Updated: 14:09 EDT, 18 October 2026 France has experienced yet another day of violent protests, with several cities looted and set on fire as more than half a million people took to the streets.The demonstrations began over the cost of living crisis, education standards and President Emmanuel Macron's government, although most gatherings were peaceful.However, more than 1,200 demonstrators were arrested as the streets of major cities were turned into a battleground, with widespread riots described as 'apocalyptic'.Macron is expected to deliver an emergency address to the nation at 7pm BST (8pm CEST) following an emergency meeting with ministers this afternoon. First comments from MacronPresident Macron has begun addressing France after days of violent protests, which he said saw hundreds of officers and gendarmes injured.'What was in their heads, how could french people do this,' he asked in regards to the looting and widespread damage caused to several cities.'There is nothing that justifies this, There is nothing that explains this, There is nothing that excuses this', he added.He went on to say 'we are all feeling anger and shame tonight' and that it was 'unbearable’ to see French streets looted.He congratulated officers and authorities for their work maintaining the riots and offered his support for affected mayor and elected representatives.He also offered support to shopkeepers and artisans, highlighting those who have been seen trying to defend their own shops. Another crisis meeting is being held tomorrow, this one to help support those who have been affected by the riots, like business owners.An investigation will be carried out with as much diligence as possible, Macron added.Breaking:President Macron speaks to nation after another day of unrestMr Macron has been holding an emergency meeting with top government officials this afternoon and his office confirmed earlier today that he will address France this evening.We will be bringing you all the details from his speech that will be taking place any moment now here on the live blog.'Hundred of millions' in damages to businessLooting rampages were reported over the weekend in Paris and other cities, including Marseille, Bordeaux, Nice and Strasbourg, on the margins of protests over the cost of living.Around 1,500 businesses were damaged with losses estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars, according to the Retail and Trade Federation. One person died during the main march in Paris, but officials said the case was health-related.'It's like we had a war', a 78-year-old Paris resident Mehmet Ozeden said amid burnt street barricades from the protests.Another resident, Anita Gras, said she saw young men loot a sports shoe retailer.'It's appalling, terrifying - groups of young people came here yesterday, looting, smashing everything, with total impunity', said 57-year-old Cecile Rogue while surveying a pile of charred bicycles.Backlash from French oppositionMarine Le Pen, the far-right presidential candidate for the National Rally party, said the troubles showed that Macron's administration was 'running on fumes, exhausted and disoriented'.'We are experiencing a profound crisis of trust and authority, which poses a threat to democracy', said Le Pen, who leads opinion polls ahead of the election.Le Pen has blamed ultra-left groups, while Jean-Luc Melenchon head of the far-left France Unbowed party accused authorities of inflaming tensions.President Macron holding emergency talksThe French President has been holding an Interministerial Crisis Meeting at the Elysee Presidential Palace in Paris, the day after riots and looting on the sidelines of nationwide protests against the high cost of living rocked the nation.In attendance are France's Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin, France's Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, France's Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, and French Government Secretary General Laurence Marion.Rioters attack shopkeeper as police admit they've lost controlNew looting was reported on Sunday as police battled protesters in a Paris square - one day after nationwide rallies descended into widespread chaos.A distraught woman was seen begging rioters in Paris not to loot a supermarket.She was heard asking 'why are you doing this' and screaming 'this is not the cause' as a group of young male rioters push past her into the smashed shop. The footage then shows the crowd appearing to cheer as the balaclava-clad looters leave with arms full of stolen goods.The shop was one of many buildings and businesses to be damaged in the demonstrations, as roughly 550,000 protesters took to the country's streets. Latest pictures from ParisPolice have been battling protesters in a Paris square and new looting was reported Sunday, one day after nationwide rallies descended into widespread chaos and looting.Several hundred people gathered in the Republique square in Paris following social media calls for a gathering.Place de la Republique in Paris is a habitual gathering site for protests, and was the scene of widespread clashes and pillaging Saturday.The Paris police prefecture said the latest demonstration had not been approved and police 'carried out checks' and 'put a security arrangement in place' to be able to 'intervene quickly if needed'.'Faced with the initial signs of tension' police moved in 'to disperse (the crowd) and make arrests', the prefecture added.Some 855 arrests were made in Paris on Saturday when several buildings and stores were looted and set alight amid pitched battles between police and masked demonstrators.Tear gas was fired a first time at the Republique square on Sunday to break up the rally, according to television images, but the protesters returned.Bottles and rocks were said to have been thrown at security forces who responded with tear gas and stun grenades.Police charged the crowd to try to break it up and several arrests were made.Demonstrators put up banners around the statue at the heart of the square complaining about the cost of living. Many were dressed in black and some were masked.Donald Trump blames 'immigrants with hatred in their hearts' for French riotsWelcomeGood evening, welcome to the Daily Mail's live blog covering the unrest in France.We will be bringing you the latest updates throughout the night, with President Macron set to speak to the nation at 7pm after another violently-charged day of protests.