The key facts
- Sohu: street violence in France is explained not only by hooliganism but also by social problems
- After PSG's Champions League victory in May 2026, 890 people were detained and 178 police officers were injured
- Mass protests on October 17 over the cost of living escalated into riots in a number of cities; nearly 150 rioters received prison sentences
Assessment by Chinese journalists
The mass riots in France have exposed social contradictions that have been accumulating for years, the Chinese outlet Sohu writes. In the authors' opinion, street violence cannot be explained merely by the actions of individual hooligans — more serious societal problems lie behind it. The journalists drew attention to the growing alienation of part of French youth: some young people, in their assessment, no longer feel like full members of society, and mass events become an occasion to vent discontent. A review of the publication was presented by RIA FederPress.
May riots after PSG's victory
A similar picture was observed after Paris Saint-Germain's victory in the Champions League in May 2026: the celebrations turned into the ransacking of shops, arson, and clashes with police. According to data cited in the Chinese article, 890 people were detained and 178 law enforcement officers were injured. Sohu doubted the effectiveness of the French security system, recalling the rioters' attacks on retail outlets and police vehicles.
October events and the authorities' response
Mass protests on October 17, linked to the rising cost of living and dissatisfaction with the state of public services, escalated in a number of cities into arson, looting of shops, and clashes with police, while a significant portion of the demonstrators took part in peaceful actions. According to Life.ru, citing Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin, nearly 150 rioters received prison sentences: courts are handling cases on an expedited basis, and real sentences are being handed down even to offenders with no prior convictions. The authorities explain the tough measures by the need to protect businesses and prevent new riots.
Conclusions of the publication
According to Sohu, forceful measures cannot eliminate the accumulated alienation of part of society, and another outbreak of violence only makes the contradictions more visible. The new wave of violence has become a test for the French authorities, who must simultaneously respond to the social demands of the protesters, protect businesses, and restore public order.
