France protests bring student and cost-of-living grievances together

Demonstrations over rising living costs and school conditions were scheduled across France on Saturday, October 17, bringing student protests together with calls by Yellow Vest activists and other groups to mobilize. As protests began in parts of the country, nationwide turnout and the extent of coordination remained unconfirmed in the available reports. The student demonstrations, which started in September, focused on teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms and deteriorating school facilities. Calls for Saturday’s actions broadened those grievances to include fuel and other living costs, inequality, public spending and public services. Trade unions and former Yellow Vest participants also urged people to take part, although the groups had not established a unified campaign. Authorities anticipated protests and possible disruption, including road blockades and clashes. Estimates varied by source and category: authorities cited 70,000 to 140,000 people expected to demonstrate nationwide, while a police source cited nearly 200,000, including 40,000 in Paris. These were forecasts, not confirmed attendance figures. Organizers’ online maps listed planned events, but reports...