Police Clash with Protesters Across France; Town Halls Invaded, Tourist Office Torched

Police fired tear gas and clashed with protesters in several French cities on Saturday, October 17, as thousands demonstrated over living costs and public services.

In Lyon, the city's tourist office was set on fire, with smoke and flames seen rising from the building. Protesters broke into the town hall in Marseille, ramming the door with security barriers and spray-painting an anarchist symbol on an inside wall before police dispersed them. In Paris, police used water cannons and tear gas in the Place de la République after protesters threw fireworks and other objects, and a car was gutted by flames.

French authorities reported 140 protests involving 32,800 people outside Paris by midday and attributed the unrest to the ultra-left. Over 160 people were arrested nationwide, with 150 arrests in Paris primarily for carrying weapons or prohibited protective gear. The demonstrations, which began last month at high schools in Paris' northern suburbs over teacher shortages and shabby facilities, expanded into a broader movement addressing inequality, public spending, and living standards.

Protesters in high-visibility vests blocked streets, echoing the Yellow Vest movement, which called for yellow and youth demonstrations. The CGT, a major labor union, also backed the protests, demanding higher wages and pensions, lower prices, and protection of public services. President Emmanuel Macron appealed for calm on Friday, asking for respect for people and property.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez's office noted violence by masked individuals in multiple cities, including attempted looting and attacks on police and media outlets like CNews and Europe 1.