France Sees Major Protests Over Cost of Living; Macron Deploys 70,000 Police Amid Clashes

Key summary

Approximately 800,000 people protested across France on Saturday (October 24) against rising living costs, with estimates ranging from 410,000 to 800,000 participants according to French officials and the CGT trade union. President Emmanuel Macron deployed around 70,000 security personnel, including the BRI-PP counter-terrorism unit, to restore order. Clashes occurred in Paris and other cities including Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, Lille, Toulouse, Nantes, and Montpellier. Police used tear gas, batons, and stun grenades; nearly 1,000 protesters were arrested nationwide. In Toulouse, one protester lost a finger due to an explosion, while another severe injury occurred in Clermont-Ferrand. The Interior Minister, Laurent Nunez, stated the situation was more positive than the previous week despite high violence levels from far-left hooded groups. Simultaneous protests took place in Italy, Belgium, Spain, and Portugal regarding inflation and education issues. In Milan, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni sent 500 soldiers to manage crowds.