French Protests Over Living Costs and Education Turn Violent

Thousands of protesters marched across France on Saturday, October 24, demanding better school funding, higher wages, and relief from rising living costs, prompting police to deploy tear gas and stun grenades in several cities. Authorities mobilized up to 70,000 security personnel nationwide to prevent a repeat of last weekend's violence, which saw around 3,000 shops damaged or looted. Police fired tear gas in Lyon, where the rally was banned, and used tear gas and stun grenades in Clermont-Ferrand to push back protesters. In Paris, the main march was confined to the southeastern outskirts, with a smaller turnout than the previous week's nationwide demonstration of over half a million people. The movement, which began with complaints about high school staff shortages, has expanded into a broader cost-of-living protest. Student groups demand 250,000 additional university places, more teachers, and higher grants, while workers seek wage increases and pension improvements. President Emmanuel Macron, facing his lowest popularity since 2017, met student representatives on Friday but protesters vow to continue until concrete measures are announced.