French police clash with protesters in Paris over rising living costs (2)

PARIS, FRANCE - OCT. 17: French police clashed with protesters in Paris during demonstrations over rising living costs, fuel prices and education funding as part of a nationwide mobilisation across France on Saturday, Oct. 17.

Protesters took to the streets of Paris, joining a coordinated nationwide day of mobilization against rising living costs, high fuel prices, and recent government education reforms.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said authorities anticipate roughly 250 gatherings and 80 marches across the country throughout Saturday, as student union support fuel public participation.

Yellow Vest protesters joined high school students and farmers in demonstrations across France on Saturday against rising living costs, with authorities expecting up to 170,000 participants nationwide, according to local media.

The mobilization brought together former members of the Yellow Vest movement, university students, climate activists, and trade unionists, alongside high school students and farmers, French broadcaster BFMTV reported.

The Yellow Vest movement emerged in France in 2018, protesting fuel taxes and the cost of living.

Around 500 actions and more than 90 demonstrations were planned across the country on Saturday, according to sources close to the Interior Ministry.

The nationwide action follows weeks of student demonstrations demanding increased education funding and better study conditions, alongside criticism of police intervention during protests.

The Paris police prefecture said 40 people had been arrested in the metropolitan area by 9.30 am, mainly for carrying prohibited protective equipment or weapons.

Police also reported 21 arrests after around 100 people targeted broadcaster CNews’ Paris headquarters, blocking access to a parking lot, throwing projectiles and smashing windows.

Demonstrations were banned around key locations in Paris, including the Elysee Palace, the prime minister’s office and the Champs-Elysees.

President Emmanuel Macron called on Friday for calm and respect for people and property during the demonstrations.