France protests draw hundreds of thousands and turn violent

Demonstrations over rising living costs, education and public services drew hundreds of thousands of people across France on Saturday, October 17, and escalated into clashes, looting, fires and damage to public buildings. The French Interior Ministry estimated turnout at 550,000, while the CGT trade union put it at 800,000. Police used tear gas and water cannons as some demonstrators threw projectiles and set off fireworks. Incidents were reported in several cities, including Paris, Lyon, Marseille and Bordeaux. In Limoges, a fire badly damaged the town hall. Local officials said masked individuals broke into the building and set it alight. Other reports described vandalism at town halls in Marseille and Lille, damage to a police facility in Bordeaux and a fire at a tourist office in Lyon. The demonstrations followed weeks of student protests and broadened into a movement involving unions and other groups. Reported grievances included pressure from everyday costs, concerns about school conditions and dissatisfaction with public services. The protests included large marches as well as violence by some groups; the available reports do not suggest that all demonstrators took part...