France's Macron era marked by protests from gilets jaunes to cost of living

France faces renewed social unrest as mass protests against the cost of living on October 17 drew up to 800,000 people, marking the latest crisis in President Emmanuel Macron's final months before leaving office in May. The demonstration, called "Yellow and Young," united gilets jaunes, students, farmers, teachers, and pensioners against price increases worsened by the Middle East war. Over 2,000 people were detained and about 1,000 police injured amid looting and clashes, prompting Macron to condemn "unbridled violence" from far-left groups. This follows a series of major mobilizations during Macron's tenure, including the 2018-2019 gilets jaunes protests, the 2023 pension reform demonstrations, urban riots after Nahel's death, and recurring farmer protests. New protests are announced for next Saturday.