Hundreds of thousands marched across France on Saturday, October 17, in nationwide demonstrations over rising living costs and deteriorating public services, including schools. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez counted 550,000 participants, while organizers estimated 800,000. Reuters reported that most people protested peacefully, but violent groups looted shops, set fires and attacked public buildings and police.
Violence spread beyond Paris
In Paris, police used tear gas and water cannons against people throwing fireworks, paving stones and other objects at officers in Place de la République, the Associated Press reported. AP reporters saw burning vehicles and trash bins, looted shops and a newspaper kiosk on fire, while the majority of demonstrators continued a peaceful march.
Damage was reported across several cities. Limoges city hall was set on fire. Protesters briefly entered Marseille's city hall and damaged shops and a municipal police station. In Lyon, where about 20,000 people marched, a fire broke out inside the tourist office.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said about 1,200 people had been arrested and more than 150 police officers and gendarmes were injured. President Emmanuel Macron said people who attacked government offices and businesses or looted city halls would be prosecuted.
A student movement broadened
The demonstrations grew from high-school protests that began in September over teacher shortages, poor facilities and unequal education conditions. Students were joined by parents, teachers, labor unions and participants linked to the Yellow Vest movement, broadening the focus to wages, pensions, fuel prices and the cost of living.
Al Jazeera reported that the CGT labor union backed the marches and called for higher wages and pensions, lower prices and protection for public services. Its reporter described a mostly peaceful crowd in Paris before clashes intensified around Place de la République.
Police tactics face scrutiny
Authorities opened an investigation after a protester in Saint-Étienne lost a hand during the unrest. Nuñez did not confirm French media reports that the injury was caused by a police grenade. Reuters reported that the police watchdog was investigating at least two dozen allegations of police violence from the broader protest movement.
