France

French chaos: A godsend for Trump and Netanyahu, an extra shock for French Jews - opinion

Many French Jews are, in fact, asking themselves how authorities could protect them, despite their commitment to do so, if they fail to protect city halls, businesses, and regular citizens.

|BySEBASTIEN LEVI
Masked protesters stand next to burning bicycles amid clashes during a demonstration against the cost of living and rising fuel prices near the Place de la Republique in Paris as part of nationwide protests called by the "Yellow Vests" movement, joined by French high school and university students,
A masked students attempts to kick a tear gas canister, amid clashes with French riot police during a protest by French high school and university students near Lycee Paul Eluard high-school to demand the hiring of substitute teachers, increased resources and better learning conditions.

Liberty, equality, impunity: France ignored the warnings. Now it’s paying for it - opinion

The violence in France reflects years of ignored warnings, normalized radical rhetoric, and a growing failure to uphold the Republic’s values.

|BySARAH CHEMLA
Aerial demonstration of the French Air Force s Airbus A400M military aircraft during the French Flair air show in Menton on August 30, 2026.

French military jet crashes during night training flight, one dead, another missing

A French Air Force Mirage 2000D crashed in the Meurthe-et-Moselle region with two people on board, the ministry said.

|ByREUTERS
Riots in Paris.

Riots spill into French soccer: Protests and clashes

Riots reached elite clubs: Marseille and Lille shops were looted, PSG fans protested, and the FA asked to keep politics off the pitch. Enrique: "I'm not afraid." Digne's partner sparked debate.

|ByWALLA! SPORTS

Extremists could exploit France's protests without organizing them, expert says

The scale of the destruction has also prompted wider questions about how social grievances developed into a national security crisis, whether extremist networks are exploiting the unrest.

OCTOBER 20, 2026ByGIORGIA VALENTE / THE MEDIA LINE
Masked protesters stand next to burning bicycles amid clashes during a demonstration against the cost of living and rising fuel prices near the Place de la Republique in Paris as part of nationwide protests called by the "Yellow Vests" movement, joined by French high school and university students,

Over 3,000 businesses attacked in French riots as insurance damages top $1 billion

Alongside convenience stores and small businesses, branches of fashion and lifestyle giants, including Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Dior, and Ralph Lauren, have been looted.

OCTOBER 20, 2026ByWALLA! MONEY
A destroyed car near the Marianne statue at the Place de la Republique, with a yellow vest put on it, the day after clashes during a national day of demonstrations against the cost of living and rising fuel prices, in Paris, France, October 18, 2026.

As France erupts, Europe's far right gains from fuel-price anger ahead of elections

Parties once considered fringe were already gaining ground, with voters ranging from motorists in rural France to young men in Germany's former Communist east seeking alternatives.

OCTOBER 20, 2026ByREUTERS
A man throws a plastic traffic cone through a burning barricade amid clashes during a day of demonstrations against the cost of living and rising fuel prices in Paris as part of nationwide protests called by the "Yellow Vests" movement, joined by French high school and university students, teachers

Targeted curfews helped keep the peace overnight in France, PM says

Some 2,400 people were arrested during the weekend, and police investigators are poring over online videos and images to track down looters.

OCTOBER 20, 2026ByREUTERS
FILE PHOTO: A woman rides a bicycle past a burning barricade near the Tuileries Garden with the Eiffel tower in the background, amid clashes during a day of demonstrations against the cost of living and rising fuel prices in Paris as part of nationwide protests called by the "Yellow Vests" movement,

Trump warns US will 'burn' like France if Democrats win at rally in Kansas

In a new addition to his stump speech, Trump pointed to widespread protests in France as a scenario that could erupt in the United States unless Republicans win.

OCTOBER 20, 2026ByREUTERS
US President Donald Trump speaks during a rally in support of Republican US Senate reelection candidate Roger Marshall (R-KS) in Park City, Kansas, US, October 19, 2026.

France must confront antisemitism before its institutions become targets - opinion

The Limoges Town Hall fire highlights France’s struggle with political extremism, antisemitism, and the erosion of public trust.

OCTOBER 19, 2026ByMICHAEL J. SALAMON, LOUIS LIBIN
Protesters stand in front of Lyon’s tourism office set on fire during a demonstration to protest against the ‘high cost of living,’ in Lyon last week.

Italian police detain nearly 300 people as stores looted, vandalized in weekend Milan protests

Police in riot gear fired tear gas and water cannon as several hundred hooded protesters set bins ablaze and looted stores, including sports retailers Decathlon and Arc'teryx and phone store Vodafone.

OCTOBER 19, 2026ByREUTERS
Italian police face a crowd during a protest over the state of public services and the rising cost of living in Milan, Italy, October 18, 2026.

Trump backs Netanyahu as Liberman slams 'Bibi the puppet'

The Jerusalem Post's must-listen news roundup with Gadi Zaig - the top stories, clear and concise.

OCTOBER 19, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST PODCASTS
US President Donald Trump welcomes Israeli prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House in Washington D.C., April 7, 2025.

Marseille bans protests, communal gatherings as France sees series of violent riots nationwide

The ban comes amid ongoing riots that erupted in cities across France as demonstrations against rising living costs and declining public services spiraled out of control.

OCTOBER 19, 2026ByMIRIAM SELA-EITAM, REUTERS
A police officer falls during a demonstration as part of nationwide protests called by the "Yellow Vests" movement against the cost of living and rising fuel prices, in Nantes, France, October 17, 2026.

Watchdog tracks over 1,300 posts blaming Jews, Israel for France riots

According to the study, the posts included conspiracy theories alongside calls for physical violence, expulsion, and extermination against Jews.

OCTOBER 19, 2026ByYOAV ETIEL
A demonstrator stands as flames rise behind them, during civil unrest, the day after a national day of demonstrations against the cost of living and rising fuel prices, in Paris, France, October 18, 2026.