French protests over living costs draw 61 arrests in Paris, incidents in Lyon and Marseille

Protests erupted across France on Saturday, October 17, against high living costs and fuel prices, with 61 arrests in Paris, incidents in Lyon and Marseille, and roadblocks by "yellow vests" in Brittany. In Paris, two unauthorized marches were dispersed by police, and 61 people were arrested by 11 a.m. An influencer who called for riots was taken into custody. In Lyon, a hostile group of about 100 people was reported on the Rhône quays, while in Rennes, a filter barrier was set up early in the morning. The protests, involving "yellow vests," students, and unions, follow failed negotiations with the government. Authorities closed 25 metro stations in Paris as a precaution, and businesses boarded up windows. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu convened a crisis cell to manage the day's events.