France's peaceful protests draw 410,000 against high living costs

Nearly 410,000 people, or 800,000 according to the CGT union, marched peacefully across France on Saturday against the high cost of living, in support of students, and for public liberties, with no major incidents. Scattered clashes occurred in Nantes, Rennes, and Marseille late in the day, but were far less severe than the violence of October 17. The demonstrations, dubbed "act II" of the movement, drew crowds in authorized cities, including 110,000 in Paris per the interior ministry, despite permits and routes often decided at the last minute. Multiple obstacles had been placed on organizing the marches, which were this time overseen by union security teams. The calm outcome defied fears of a repeat of the previous week's riots and looting, which had left authorities overwhelmed. The mobilization, focused on purchasing power and public services, was slightly smaller than the prior week's turnout.