France cost-of-living protests turn violent, 1,200 detained

Protests against the high cost of living and worsening public services in France turned violent on Saturday (17/10), with more than 1,200 people detained. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said about 550 thousand people joined 110 actions, including 110 thousand in Paris, while organizers estimated total turnout at 800 thousand. Clashes and vandalism were reported in Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Lille and Limoges. In Limoges, the historic city hall burned after being attacked by masked people; in Marseille, crowds briefly forced their way into city hall; in Paris, stores, banks and the offices of CNews and Europe 1 were damaged. At least 150 police officers were injured. The demonstrations grew out of student protests that began in September and revived the yellow vest movement amid inflation and tensions ahead of the presidential election to replace Emmanuel Macron.