Arrests and curfews: The French protest crackdown
Oct 21, 2026 •
In France, thousands of arrests have been made and partial curfews imposed across the country, after a weekend of protests that spiralled into violence and looting.
The protest movement, which began four weeks ago with students demanding better conditions at high schools, culminated in half a million people protesting the rising cost of living on the weekend.
In some areas, shops were looted, and buildings torched.
Protests have also broken out in other parts of Europe – including Spain, Belgium and Italy.
The French President Emmanuel Macron, has now demanded a full security review and “new operational methods” to end the rioting.
Today, writer Sarah Wilson from Paris, on how the protests turned violent, and what it all means for the future of politics in France, and across Europe.
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.
Arrests and curfews: The French protest crackdown
2082 • Oct 21, 2026
Arrests and curfews: The French protest crackdown
In France, thousands of arrests have been made and partial curfews imposed across the country, after a weekend of protests that spiralled into violence and looting.
The protest movement, which began four weeks ago with students demanding better conditions at high schools, culminated in half a million people protesting the rising cost of living on the weekend.
In some areas, shops were looted, and buildings torched.
Protests have also broken out in other parts of Europe – including Spain, Belgium and Italy.
The French President Emmanuel Macron, has now demanded a full security review and “new operational methods” to end the rioting.
Today, writer Sarah Wilson from Paris, on how the protests turned violent, and what it all means for the future of politics in France, and across Europe.
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.
Guest: Writer Sarah Wilson
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