French unions and students march over living costs; government reports 1,200 arrests

Workers, students and other demonstrators marched across France October 17 over rising living costs and the condition of public services. Large peaceful marches took place alongside clashes, fires and looting in several cities.

The Interior Ministry put national participation at 550,000, AFP reported, while the CGT labor confederation said nearly 800,000 people took part. The union called for higher wages, pensions and minimum benefits, alongside protection of public services.

The demonstrations joined a student movement that has been protesting school conditions since September, the Associated Press reported. Protesters also sought to revive the yellow vest movement that began in 2018.

In its October 17 statement, the CGT criticized the government’s budget plans and sought higher taxes on large fortunes and action against tax evasion. It urged further peaceful mobilization and pointed to an inter-union strike and demonstration planned for November 5.

The CGT also said police used a crowd-control grenade against the front of a peaceful union procession in Toulouse. That is the union’s account of the incident.

As the day continued, the government’s arrest count rose. AFP’s later report quoted Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu saying 1,200 people had been arrested and 150 police officers injured.

AFP described police using tear gas and water cannons, while groups threw projectiles and fireworks. Its reporters saw shops being looted in Paris; public buildings were also damaged in several cities.

President Emmanuel Macron said people responsible for vandalism, attacks on public buildings and looting would be prosecuted. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who supported the demonstrations, urged participants to avoid looting, AFP reported.

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