France protests draw hundreds of thousands, 1,200 detained

Demonstrations over living costs and public services drew hundreds of thousands of people across France on October 17, with violence, fires, looting and clashes with police reported in several cities. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said about 1,200 people were arrested or detained and more than 150 police officers were injured. Turnout estimates differed: Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez put the nationwide total at about 550,000, while the CGT trade union estimated about 800,000. Many participants marched peacefully, while smaller groups were involved in attacks on businesses, public buildings and police. Authorities used tear gas and water cannons in response to unrest. In Paris, shops were looted and the monument at Place de la République was damaged. In Marseille, businesses were damaged and firefighters extinguished a blaze at a shoe store. The historic city hall in Limoges was set on fire. A report on the damage said the building’s roof collapsed onto lower floors and about two-thirds of its façade was lost. A 17-year-old in Saint-Étienne lost a hand after a grenade used by security forces exploded. Prosecutors transferred the investigation into the injury to the General...