# France student protests escalate

> Over 1,200 arrested as historic buildings burn in France student riots.
- Title: France student protests escalate · Financialexpress | Shortify
- Summary: Over 1,200 arrested as historic buildings burn in France student riots. French student protests against rising living costs and public service cuts escalated…
- Keywords: france, student protests, living costs, public services, historic buildings, arrests, police violence, yellow vest movement, business, money, news, student
- Source: Financialexpress — https://financialexpress.com/world-news/france-riots-historic-buildings-torched-over-1000-arrested-as-student-protests-escalate/4364013
- Author: Ashima Grover
- Published: 2026-10-18T02:57:06+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: france, student protests, living costs, public services, historic buildings, arrests, police violence, yellow vest movement, business, money, news
## Violent clashes in France
Violent clashes erupted across France as protests against rising living costs and declining public services intensified.
## Over 1,200 arrests reported
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said over 1,200 people were arrested and more than 150 police officers got injured.
## Interior Minister's figures
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez previously disclosed 400 arrests, with 110 nationwide marches drawing about 550,000 people.
## Student protest surge
Far-left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon joined protests in Paris, backing the high school students movement.
## Protesters' scale
Organizers reported about 800,000 protesters took the streets across french cities.
## Historic buildings torched
Lyon’s tourism office and limoges city hall were set on fire, causing significant heritage damage.
## Police response
Police used tear gas and water cannons to control protests, shutting down metro stations near government buildings.
## Injuries and allegations
Over 30 allegations of police violence against protesters were investigated, including reports of children being 'mutilated'.
## President Macron's response
President Emmanuel Macron vowed prosecution for those vandalizing property and attacking government offices.
## Key takeaway

French student protests against rising living costs and public service cuts escalated to violent clashes, with historic buildings torched and over 1,200 arrests.