More than half a million march in France as student protests turn violent
What began as school blockades near Paris has become a national movement over living costs, with looting in Marseille and about 2,400 arrests.
Known
•About 550,000 protested on 17 October, 110,000 in Paris (French authorities). •A Marseille town hall was breached and shops looted (media reports). •About 2,400 arrests so far (Interior Ministry, via BBC News).
Not known yet
•Whether the government will offer concessions on living costs or fuel. •How many people have been injured. •Whether unions will call a general strike.
About 550,000 people protested across France on Saturday, 17 October, including 110,000 in Paris, according to French authorities.
The movement began on 18 September with blockades by high-school students in Créteil, near Paris. On 6 October it became a national mobilisation, joined by teachers, parents, university students, trade unions and Yellow Vest activists. Protesters cite rising living costs, fuel prices and declining public services.
Some protests turned violent. In Marseille, a town hall was broken into and shops were looted. In Lyon, media reported that a tourism office was set on fire. In Paris, Al Jazeera reported masked young men smashing shop windows.
President Emmanuel Macron said those who attacked police stations, businesses and town halls will be prosecuted and punished. About 2,400 people have been arrested, the Interior Ministry said, as reported by BBC News.
Turnout figures differ. For 6 October, unions estimated 450,000 protesters nationwide, while the government said 250,000.