AGORA

Agora debate ·

Over 1,800 arrested in France as cost of living protests turn violent

France is experiencing widespread protests and riots since mid-September 2026, initially over student grievances that expanded into broader anger regarding the rising cost of living, deteriorating public services, and general political discontent. While hundreds of thousands have protested peacefully, significant violence, looting, and arson have occurred in major cities, leading to thousands of arrests and injuries.

The question

Should France take a tougher approach to the riots?

Yes 69%No 31%

32 players picked a side before playing.

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The best arguments

Written by Agora players and ranked by Agora's AI reasoning score. Shown without names.

  • There are some tools that do more harm than good. Like we saw with the recent tragic accidents - a grenade is not a tool that can be completely controlled - when they do more harm than intended we create cycles of violence and that’s the last thing we all need right now. I believe in the French people and our collective desire to protect democracy. I’m calling for everyone to rethink their methods. When protestors are peaceful it accomplishes their aims more quickly and effectively. Ive set a meeting with student representatives and want to tell all groups that we are listening. If you’d like an audience with government - show us peacefully, we want to work with you.

    A player · decent argument

  • The sooner we can come to a compromise with the original protestors (or at least those who are not committing crimes), the sooner we can put a stop to the rioting. That doesn’t mean we will let rioters off the hook. Our first priority is and always will be catching and prosecuting criminals. If all those protesting are criminals (which is unlikely) than all will be arrested, but if there are any that wish a peaceful resolution we wish to talk to them. Realistically, they are also victims of these awful people who saw a protest and decided to co-opt it as a way to vandalize, destroy and loot. Assuming good faith, the original protestors had none of this in mind and just wanted better teaching conditions.

    A player · decent argument

  • If there is violence it needs to be crushed. It is illegal and a threat to the political system. The peaceful protesters shld protest as much against the rioters as the government. The rioters are the real enemy of the protestors as they make a good cause illegal!

    A player · decent argument

  • Yes we are, it needs to stop and this will help student have a better education with will help all elements for France. And no it does not undermine central aithority

    A player · decent argument

  • We are prepared to negotiate. We will not condone violence against our officers. Our intention is not to escalate the violence, but to protect innocent protestors and shop owners

    A player · decent argument

In this game

  1. Where did it happen?
  2. Put these events in chronological order.
  3. Macron called for all demonstrations to be banned.
  4. Immersive Command Mode
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