France Protests Over Living Costs Turn Violent in Paris and Marseille

Large demonstrations against rising living costs took place across France on October 24, with some turning violent as protesters clashed with police. The Interior Ministry reported around 410,000 participants nationwide. The protests, continuing from last week, also addressed deteriorating education conditions. Radical left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon joined the march, which was rerouted to southeast Paris after authorities banned the central route. Police deployed 70,000 officers, 10,000 more than last week, following arson and looting incidents. In Paris, about 500 hooded youths threw stones at police, who responded with tear gas. Marseille saw fires and two jewelry store attacks. Around 1,000 people were detained, though damage was more limited than last week. Protests also spread to Italy and Belgium.