2 min readOct 17, 2026 11:49 PM ISTA car burns at Place de La Republique during a protest against rising living costs in Paris, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)Cars were set on fire and shops were looted in Paris on Saturday as police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse violent protesters who joined nationwide demonstrations against rising living costs and in support of high school students’ grievances.Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez’s office reported “a growing number of violent incidents” across the country, including assaults on officers, looting and damage to public buildings. Police made at least 272 arrests across the country, including in Paris.Protesters across France responded to calls on social media to revive the “yellow vest” movement, which emerged in 2018 against social injustice. Demonstrators expressed widespread frustration and anger at the government as gasoline, energy and food prices have spiked in recent months.Police fired tear gas and water cannons to push back people wearing hoods and masks and throwing fireworks, paving stones and other objects at officers in the Place de la République, northeast of the Paris city center.Associated Press reporters saw thick black smoke rising from cars, bicycles and other vehicles, and trash bins on fire. A kiosk was also burning, while several shops have been looted. Several people have been injured in the clashes.Police tried to prevent other small groups of protesters from converging on government buildings, Nuñez’s office said.Many metro stations were closed Saturday at police request, including those around the Champs-Elysées and near the presidential palace, parliament and government offices.Story continues below this adMeanwhile, the majority of peaceful protesters joined a march that moved toward northwestern Paris. The crowd chanted France’s national anthem and waved flags, and some people played trumpets and violins. Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on InstagramTags:FranceAdvertisementLoading Recommendations...AdvertisementLive BlogKolkata Durga Puja Stampede Live Updates: Loudspeaker announcement triggered stampede; organisers detained, says CM Adhikari15 minutes agoIndia Vs West Indies Live Score, 5th T20I: Match has been called off in Bengaluru; series ends at 2-21 hour agoIndia News Highlights, 17 October 2026: Bus to religious tour falls in drain, kills 8; MP CM announces compensation3 hours agoJailer 2 Box Office Collection Day 2 Live Updates: Rajinikanth film beats Dhurandhar 2 for 2026’s biggest international opening; earns Rs 213 cr worldwide4 hours agoIran-US War Live News Updates: Tanker struck by unknown projectile off Saudi Arabia on Friday, UKMTO says4 hours agoAdvertisement