France protests over living costs and schools turn tense

Protests over living costs and school conditions drew demonstrators across France on October 17, with clashes reported in Paris and Marseille and more than 160 people detained nationwide, according to a French Interior Ministry source cited in reporting. The government source also said more than 32,000 people had joined about 140 actions outside Paris shortly after midday. No final nationwide attendance total was provided. In Paris, police used water cannon and tear gas after protesters confronted officers at several locations. About 60 people were detained in the capital during the morning, according to the report. In Marseille, protesters entered the town hall before police forced them out. Windows at the offices of broadcasters CNews and Europe 1 in western Paris were broken after projectiles were thrown, the report said. The demonstrations followed weeks of student protests over teacher shortages, school buildings in poor condition and long school days. Students were joined by teachers, parents and other groups, while organisers called for more than 600 demonstrations across the country on October 17. The protests took place on the first day of school holidays. The...