October 17 protests: peaceful marchers voice varied demands beyond Paris clashes

Despite violence in Paris, thousands marched peacefully on October 17 to support youth and voice demands on purchasing power, with many slogans emerging beyond the clashes. Protesters cited varied grievances: a social worker called her 1,900-euro monthly salary "miserable," while a student described her crumbling high school with missing teachers and broken facilities. A hospital psychologist also condemned insufficient public service funding. Peaceful demonstrators feared the violence would overshadow their message. The interior minister reported 550,000 participants nationwide, while organizers claimed 800,000.