217 people imprisoned in France after violent protests; Macron blames far-left extremists

French authorities have imprisoned 217 people out of nearly 2,700 arrested after the violent protests and looting that took place last weekend.

French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin released the figures and described the authorities’ response as extraordinary and unprecedented in scale.

Darmanin said approximately half of those arrested had no criminal record. According to him, the majority are men aged 18 to 25 who had not previously had problems with the justice system.

The minister also supported the proposal to suspend the right to vote for people accused of violence and looting. He argued that those who attack law enforcement and damage businesses should not be able to exercise their political rights in the next elections.

The violence and protests affected several cities in France, including Paris. Nationwide, around 3,000 businesses were looted or vandalized.

President Emmanuel Macron accused far-left extremist groups of aiming to overthrow democracy. He spoke after one of the worst waves of violence in recent years, just six months before the presidential elections.

Meanwhile, due to further protests expected in Paris on Saturday, the international contemporary art fair Art Basel Paris will close its 2026 edition two days earlier than originally planned.

Organizers announced that the event will end on Friday to ensure the safety of visitors, exhibitors, staff, and artworks. The fair opened to professionals on Wednesday at the Grand Palais, near the Champs-Élysées, and had been scheduled to welcome the public over the weekend as well.