Marseille protest turns chaotic as demonstrators storm city hall and clash with police

A protest in Marseille on October 17 turned chaotic, with demonstrators briefly entering the city hall, attacking a police station, and clashing with authorities on the Canebière. Mayor Benoît Payan condemned the intrusion as "indescribable and unacceptable," reporting limited damage, including a toppled bust of Marianne. Police sources cited numerous lootings, fires, and masked groups, with armored vehicles deployed to support officers. The mobilization included hundreds of high school students and "yellow vest" protesters at various roundabouts. In Nice, no official demonstration was declared, though some shops preemptively barricaded.