N環球 
Paris protests turn violent: 25 metro stations shut, dozens arrested in cost-of-living unrest
Hundreds of thousands protested across France on Saturday against the rising cost of living; tear gas and clashes erupted in several cities, with at least 61 arrests in Paris by late morning.
Why it matters
France saw nationwide demonstrations on Saturday (October 17) as students, trade unions and Yellow Vest activists took to the streets against the rising cost of living and fraying public services. Clashes broke out in Paris and several other cities, with police firing tear gas; at least 61 people were arrested in Paris by late morning, and more than 10,000 officers were mobilized across the country.
Full report
Paris transit operator RATP closed 25 metro stations from 8 a.m. on Saturday at the request of the Paris Police Prefecture — including Charles de Gaulle–Étoile, Concorde, Opéra and Madeleine — with trains passing through without stopping; nine more stations followed at noon. Police expected 500 to 600 rallies nationwide, and the Interior Ministry mobilized more than 10,000 officers, 5,000 of them in Paris.
Two marches set off in Paris: a student-led procession from Place de la République to Place de la Nation via Boulevard Voltaire, and a Yellow Vest and union march toward Place de Clichy. Protesters vandalized Marseille's town hall, prompting the mayor to request reinforcements; violent incidents were also reported in Lyon, Lille, Bordeaux and Saint-Étienne. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez warned that stun grenades could be used if clashes erupted.
The mobilization grew out of a student movement that began in mid-September at high schools in Paris' northern suburbs over teacher shortages and shabby facilities, widening into a nationwide movement against inequality and weak public spending. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu condemned the "extreme violence," while President Macron said there is "no place for violence in our Republic" and that perpetrators would be held accountable.
💬 Comments
No comments yet. Be the first!