France protests escalate: police fire tear gas, 166 arrested nationwide

A demonstrator waves a French national flag in front of a fire in Marseille. The image was taken during clashes against high living costs on October 17. Source: Thibaud Moritz/AFP/dpa

Nationwide protests against high living costs and grievances in the education system have led to clashes in France. In Paris, police deployed tear gas, and numerous people were arrested.

Violent Clashes in Paris

During a major demonstration in Paris as part of a nationwide day of protest against high living costs and grievances in the education system, violent clashes broke out between police and protesters on Saturday afternoon. At the Place de la République, officers repeatedly deployed tear gas while demonstrators set off fireworks, as observed by an AFP reporter.

Earlier, according to police, around one hundred demonstrators attacked the headquarters of the broadcaster CNews, which belongs to the conglomerate of right-wing French billionaire Vincent Bolloré. Twenty-one people were arrested for throwing objects at the building's windows. Another 40 people were arrested for carrying protective equipment or "prohibited weapons," police stated. A demonstration ban was imposed for parts of the city.

Protests Escalate Outside Paris

Protest actions also took place in other cities. In Marseille, demonstrators managed to briefly penetrate the city hall. Prior to that, police had dispersed a crowd that had attempted to set up a blockade. A police station was also attacked.

Demonstrators attack a municipal police station in Marseille on October 17. The action takes place as part of a nationwide day of protest against high living costs. Source: Thibaud Moritz/AFP/dpa

The conditions in the education system are "deplorable," said student Aude in Marseille, explaining the reasons for the protests. "Young people are saying: We have a message – we simply want to learn under good conditions," she added.

In Rennes in Brittany, around 20 people erected road blockades near a shopping center. In Lyon, according to authorities, about 40 people attempted to block traffic on a bridge. Others gathered near a refinery. Near the university, police dispersed around 300 demonstrators with tear gas. In Rouen, a university building was damaged by fire.

Nationwide Scope of Protests

For the day of protest, 1,500 actions, demonstrations, or blockades were announced nationwide on a website set up specifically for the purpose, including rallies, gatherings at roundabouts, roadblocks, and blockades of train stations, bridges, toll booths, gas stations, or refineries. By midday, the Interior Ministry, according to sources close to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, counted 32,800 participants at 140 actions. According to the ministry, 166 people were arrested.

The extent of the protests, which former Yellow Vests, schoolchildren, students, climate activists, and even farmers had arranged to join, was initially difficult to predict, partly due to the start of the holidays. Furthermore, the unions have called for a day of protest on November 5.

Possible Use of Stun Grenades

In the event of "extremely severe riots," Nuñez did not rule out the use of stun grenades. Their use had been suspended following serious incidents during student protests. French President Emmanuel Macron had called for restraint on Friday. The right to demonstrate must be accompanied by respect – without "insulting" or "rioting," he emphasized at the EU summit in Brussels.

Background

Schoolchildren in France have been protesting since mid-September, demanding more teachers, smaller classes, and better equipment. The protests are taking place against the backdrop of an austerity budget that the government wants to push through parliament. This budget also includes cuts in the education sector. Presidential elections will be held in France next year. Macron cannot run again after two terms in office.

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