France prepares for nationwide cost-of-living protests

France was preparing for nationwide demonstrations on Saturday, October 17, as cost-of-living protesters and students planned to take to the streets amid official concerns about possible clashes and disruption. The demonstrations were expected to bring together people protesting rising prices and fuel costs with students who have held weeks of protests over school conditions, including staff shortages and overcrowded classrooms. Former Yellow Vest figures were also expected to participate, though whether the different groups would form a sustained, unified movement remained uncertain. An online map listed more than 1,000 planned events, while estimates cited by officials and other accounts described hundreds of demonstrations and protest actions. Those figures refer to differently described planned activity, not confirmed attendance. The reports offered no post-event turnout figures, and the demonstrations’ outcome was not yet known. Authorities were preparing for possible violence in Paris and other cities. An Interior Ministry source warned of potential clashes and disruption, including blockades of transport routes and essential infrastructure. Prime Minister Sébastien...