France Protests: Students, Workers, and Yellow Vests Clash with Police

Tens of thousands of students, workers, and "Yellow Vest" activists staged nationwide protests across France on Saturday, October 17, against rising costs and social policies, leading to clashes with police and dozens of arrests. The demonstrations, involving an estimated 200,000 people, turned violent in Paris and other major cities. In Paris, police used tear gas on the Place de la République to disperse hundreds of masked protesters throwing fireworks, while clashes also erupted in Marseille and Lyon. Authorities reported dozens of arrests, and a university building in Rouen was damaged by a suspected arson fire. Protesters also targeted a police station in Marseille and the headquarters of the CNews television network. The protests evoke memories of the 2018-2019 "Yellow Vest" movement, which began over fuel taxes and saw widespread violence. Police have faced criticism over their tactics, with at least 24 complaints of brutality under investigation and the suspension of flash-ball grenades after a teenager lost a hand. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu stated that over 900 officers have been injured in recent weeks.