France's October 17 protests draw hundreds of thousands, marred by clashes and looting

Hundreds of thousands protested across France on Saturday, October 17, against the high cost of living and for public services, with the day marked by violence, clashes, and looting in several cities. The Interior Ministry counted 550,000 participants, while organizers claimed 800,000. The protests, involving yellow vests, students, and workers, saw attacks on public buildings, including a fire at Limoges' city hall and the sacking of a prefecture in Bordeaux. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu reported about 1,200 arrests and 150 injured police, while President Emmanuel Macron vowed to punish those who caused damage. The CGT union called the mobilization the largest since the start of the school year, urging the government to respond to demands and plan further peaceful action, including a major inter-union strike on November 5. Political reactions were divided, with far-right and far-left leaders trading blame over the violence.