Tens of thousands protest across France over cost of living

Summarised from 5 outlets · 6 reports · Updated 17 Oct, 14:28 · Archive

Tens of thousands of people demonstrated across France on Saturday against rising living costs, fuel prices and the state of public services, with police making over 160 arrests.

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across France on Saturday to protest against rising living costs, fuel prices and inequality. The French Ministry of the Interior said 140 separate demonstrations were recorded by early afternoon, involving almost 33,000 people, with over 160 arrests made nationwide.

Police deployed riot officers in major cities and used tear gas to disperse crowds. In Paris, officers fired tear gas and used a water cannon on protesters in the Place de la République. In Marseille, a town hall was briefly invaded and barricades were set on fire. A police station in Marseille and shops in the city were damaged. In Lyon, a tourist office was destroyed with smoke seen pouring from the building.

The French Ministry of the Interior accused the movement of being marked by 'a very strong mobilisation of far-left elements' intent on inciting disorder. It said demonstrations involved 'targeted acts of violence' from 'hooded individuals', with attempts at looting, attacks on police, fires and targeting of government institutions. Paris police said officers were facing 'hostile individuals' with 'courage and professionalism'.

The demonstrations grew out of student protests that began in late September against teacher absences and poor school conditions, which evolved into a broader movement against inequality and public spending cuts. Yellow Vests, a protest movement, said it organised 384 actions at petrol stations, 38 at oil depots and five at refineries. The CGT, one of France's major labour unions, backed the protests, calling for higher wages and pensions, lower prices and protection of public services.

President Emmanuel Macron appealed for calm on Friday, saying there was a constitutional right to protest but that this came with the need to respect people and property. The French Ministry of the Interior said security forces had responded 'swiftly and decisively' to disorder.

How it is being reported

• Protesters clash with police during nationwide demonstrations in FranceThousands protest in Paris and other cities against rising cost of living.Al Jazeera · 17 Oct, 14:44
• More than 100 protesters arrested as chaos erupts across France againMore than 100 protesters have been arrested as chaos engulfs several French cities once again. Tens of thousands of demonstrators have poured onto the streets of major urban areas, such as Paris, Marseille, Strasbourg, Lille and Lyon, said to be voicing fury over the cost-of-living-crisis and rising fuel prices. Today's protests come as the country has been grappling with far-left backed student protests for over three weeks. The demonstrations - supported by LFI leader Jean-Luc Melenchon - have seen clashes between protesters and police, with a 15-year-old boy's hand being blown off earlier…GB News · 17 Oct, 14:27
• Protests erupt in France against living costs, support of studentsPolice used tear gas to push back people wearing hoods and masks and throwing fireworks and other objects at officers in the Place de la République, northeast of the Paris city center.CBS News · 17 Oct, 14:13
• France protests - live: Riot police fire tear gas as town hall invaded and barricades burnPolice have used tear gas and a water cannon as tens of thousands of protesters demonstrate across France against the cost of living, rising fuel prices and the state of public servicesThe Mirror · 17 Oct, 14:13
• France protests – live: Over 40 arrests in Paris as tens of thousands to rally nationwidePolice have fired tear gas at protesters in Paris and MarseilleIndependent World · 17 Oct, 12:20
• Dozens arrested in Paris as tens of thousands expected to protest across FranceAround 40 people have been arrested ahead of widespread demonstrations expected across France on Saturday against high prices and inequality.Independent World · 17 Oct, 11:50

In this story: France · Emmanuel Macron · Paris · Marseille · Yellow Vests · CGT

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