Large-Scale Protests Over Cost of Living and Education Problems Begin Across France
Demonstrations against the high cost of living and social inequality began across France on Saturday, 17 October. The protests started with student discontent and have since been joined by trade unions and "yellow vest" movement representatives.
Large demonstrations against the rising cost of living, social inequality and declining public services began across France on Saturday, 17 October. According to the British newspaper The Guardian, the protests, which originally stemmed from student discontent, have been joined by trade unions and representatives of the "yellow vest" movement, which emerged in France in 2018 in protest against social injustice and high living costs.
Participants are demanding greater state investment in education, higher wages and pensions, and lower living costs. Hundreds of events are planned nationwide, with tens of thousands of people expected to take part.
Situation in the cities
Demonstrators have blocked streets in several cities. In Marseille, rubbish bins were set on fire and a municipal police station was vandalised. In Paris, reinforced police units have been deployed, particularly near the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe, and several metro stations were closed at police request, including those near the presidential palace, parliament and government buildings.
From schools to a national movement
The current wave began in September at schools in Paris's northern suburbs, where students voiced frustration over teacher shortages and poor school infrastructure. The local demonstrations gradually grew into a broader movement. The protests are also backed by the CGT, one of France's largest trade unions, which is calling for higher wages and pensions, lower prices and protection of public services.
Clashes with police
Over recent weeks, student protests have been accompanied by clashes with police. The Guardian reports that thousands of people have been detained, hundreds injured, and fires have broken out at several schools. The serious injuries of some teenagers have caused outrage. After a 15-year-old lost a hand, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez suspended the use of one type of police stun grenade against young demonstrators.
Official response
President Emmanuel Macron on Friday urged protesters to keep the peace and respect people and property. He noted that the right to protest is enshrined in the constitution but does not include the right to harm others or damage property. Nuñez warned of possible escalation: hundreds of events and more than 80 marches were expected on Saturday.
