French protests turn violent as 500,000 march over fuel costs

Around 500,000 people participated in Saturday's protests in France, which turned violent with fires and riots spreading across much of the country. Approximately 400 people were detained, and at least 60 police officers were injured in clashes. The demonstrations on October 17 drew students, teachers, taxi drivers, doctors, and construction workers, driven by rising fuel prices and reduced purchasing power. In Paris alone, 110,000 people took to the streets, far exceeding official expectations. Radicals in Limoges set fire to parts of the town hall, causing its bell tower to collapse, while in Lille protesters stormed an administrative building. Police used tear gas to disperse an unsanctioned rally on the Champs-Élysées.