Cost-of-Living Protests Draw Hundreds of Thousands Across France
Hundreds of thousands of people demonstrated across France on Saturday, October 17, protesting the rising cost of living, cuts to social services and inequalities in education. The gatherings brought together student protesters, major unions and members of the “yellow vest” movement.
The French government estimated that 550,000 people attended 110 demonstrations, including 110,000 in Paris. Organizers put the nationwide turnout at more than 800,000.
Clashes between police and groups of people on the margins of the protests occurred in several cities. Shop windows were smashed, businesses were damaged and fires were started. A fire broke out at city hall in Limoges after what Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez described as an intrusion.
Nuñez said about 400 people had been arrested and at least 60 law enforcement officers injured, according to preliminary figures. The number of injured protesters was not immediately clear. In Saint-Étienne, a young demonstrator lost a hand. Nuñez said an investigation was underway and that he could not confirm whether a police grenade caused the injury.
President Emmanuel Macron said those responsible for attacks on public buildings or businesses would be punished. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said he had instructed prosecutors to respond firmly to the violence. Municipal and political leaders also appealed for calm.
The Orchestre du Nouveau Monde said tear gas forced its 500 musicians to abandon a planned concert in support of demonstrators in Paris. The group said it had been rehearsing peacefully when canisters were thrown in its direction. Elsewhere in the capital, protesters gathered to dance and sing after nightfall.
The demonstrations prompted responses beyond France. About 50 people rallied outside the French consulate in downtown Montreal in support of the students. In Nice, Mayor Eric Ciotti criticized celebrities who had voiced support for the student protests, including basketball player Victor Wembanyama. Wembanyama had said he supported young people making their voices heard.