More than 1,000 vehicles were set ablaze across France during New Year’s Eve celebrations, while police carried out over 500 arrests nationwide. Despite the increase in arsons, the French interior ministry said the night was overall calmer than the previous year, with fewer and less serious urban disturbances, particularly in suburban areas.
According to the French Ministry of the Interior, a total of 505 people were taken into police custody, with 403 cases leading to arrests and pre-trial detention. The ministry described the night as “quieter” compared to New Year’s Eve 2025. By comparison, last year saw 420 detentions and 310 arrests across the country.
Rise in vehicle arsons
The number of vehicles set on fire increased to 1,173, up from 984 during New Year’s Eve celebrations in 2025, the ministry said. Even so, local authorities assessed the situation as “less tense in suburban areas than last year, with more limited urban unrest”. Officials also pointed to a decline in both the number and severity of attacks against law enforcement officers.
Police targeted with fireworks
Police officers were targeted with fireworks in several cities, including Nice, Lyon, Strasbourg and Rennes, a source told Agence France-Presse. Around 90,000 police officers and gendarmes were deployed nationwide from December 31, including 10,000 in Parisand its suburbs, a figure unchanged from last year.
Arrests in Paris
According to the Paris public prosecutor’s office, 125 people aged between 17 and 53 were arrested and placed in custody in the French capital. Among them:
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33 were detained for acts of violence
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15 for group participation in gatherings aimed at committing violence or causing property damage
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10 for possession of psychotropic substances
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8 for drug use
The figures underscore ongoing challenges for authorities during New Year celebrations, even as officials insist this year’s disturbances were more contained than in the past.
Source: APE-MPE