# French Government Deploys Troops to Quell Escalating Paris Riots Military reinforcement follows widespread looting and political instability ahead of national presidential elections. - **Source:** [Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News](https://www.smh.com.au/rss/feed.xml) - **Published:** 2026-10-20 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/5ab0fc7b-86c8-493e-a140-058bad126e55 ## Military Intervention in Paris The French government is deploying troops to reinforce police units following intense riots that caused significant property damage. Authorities are implementing longer curfews and stricter security measures to prevent further looting. This decision follows a weekend of violence where masked rioters targeted businesses and public infrastructure across the capital city. ## Targeted Looting of Retailers Business owners near Place de la Republique reported that looters specifically targeted high-value inventory. A manga store manager noted that thieves ignored lower-priced items, instead stealing rare Pokémon cards worth up to 3000 euros. Similar patterns were observed at luxury clothing and footwear stores, including Lacoste and Tommy Hilfiger outlets. ## Political Polarization Intensifies The unrest has become a central issue in the upcoming presidential race. Right-wing leader Marine Le Pen has gained significant ground in recent polls, currently leading with 34 to 38 percent support. Meanwhile, the government faces criticism for its slow response, exacerbated by President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Qatar. ## Far-Left Ideology and Violence Authorities identified a suspect in the arson attack on Limoges town hall as a member of an ultra-left group. Political leaders, including Jordan Bardella, have accused the far-left party La France Insoumise of legitimizing violence. The presence of ACAB graffiti highlights the direct confrontation between rioters and law enforcement officials. ## Legacy of Yellow Vest Protests Left-wing groups associated with the 2018 yellow vest movement are planning new demonstrations for this Saturday. While the original movement focused on fuel prices and living costs, current protesters are increasingly confrontational. Workers have already begun cleaning graffiti from the statue of Equality, a symbol of the French Republic. ## Polling and Election Outlook Ifop research for Le Figaro indicates that Marine Le Pen would win in all tested head-to-head scenarios for the second round of voting. Centrist candidate Raphaël Glucksmann has also seen a slight increase in support, reaching up to 16 percent, as he warns that the republic itself is under attack. ## Operational Challenges for Police Local business owners expressed frustration, stating that police failed to respond to multiple distress calls during the riots. Authorities admitted they were overwhelmed by the scale of the violence in various parts of Paris. This resource strain forced police to prioritize certain areas, leaving many shop owners vulnerable to looting. ## Future Stability Concerns The combination of economic grievances and political opportunism suggests that the instability may persist. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has promised a massive security deployment for the coming weekend to maintain order. The ability of the state to restore social cohesion remains a critical factor for the upcoming national election cycle. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/france-sends-in-troops-as-paris-simmers-in-aftermath-of-riots-20261021-p6179m.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._