Paris Protests Resume as France Counts Cost of Looting and Violence

Protests have erupted again in Paris, with thousands marching on Saturday amid fears of renewed violence following last week's riots that left shops looted and neighborhoods devastated across France. The movement began in September as student protests in Créteil over teacher shortages and dilapidated schools, but has grown into a nationwide anti-government uprising. On October 17, 550,000 people demonstrated, with 2,397 arrests, the highest single-day total in French history. Around 3,000 businesses were looted or damaged, and authorities admitted losing control in several cities. Shop owners report looters were highly organized, targeting expensive items like PS5 consoles while leaving collectibles behind. Police were reportedly overwhelmed, with only 60,000 officers deployed against expectations of 200,000 protesters. The government has now mobilized 70,000 officers and armored vehicles for future demonstrations, while curfews remain in place.