France protests draw hundreds of thousands, turn violent

Nationwide demonstrations in France over education, living costs and public services drew hundreds of thousands of people on October 17, while some groups clashed with police, looted businesses and set fires at public buildings. President Emmanuel Macron said those responsible for rioting and destruction would be held accountable and directed local officials to work with mayors to protect public buildings and businesses in the coming weeks, including through possible protest bans. The French Interior Ministry estimated turnout at about 550,000. The CGT trade union and protest organisers put the number at about 800,000. The demonstrations spread across cities including Paris, Lyon, Marseille and Bordeaux. Many people marched peacefully, while incidents of violence and property damage occurred alongside the protests. In Limoges, a fire badly damaged the town hall after masked people broke into the building and set it alight, local officials said. The prefect, Maurice Barate, said the roof and bell tower collapsed and described the building as largely lost. Officials had not confirmed reports about which artworks or interior features may have been destroyed. The Interior Ministry...