France Protests Spread Across Europe

Hundreds of thousands protested in France on October 24 over the cost of living, fuel prices, education funding, housing pressures and government policies. The Interior Ministry counted about 410,000 demonstrators nationwide, including 110,000 in Paris, while the CGT union estimated nearly 800,000 nationwide; authorities deployed 70,000 security personnel and reported nearly 1,000 arrests. Most marches were peaceful, but masked groups clashed with police in Paris and other French cities, prompting tear gas and water cannons and reports of fires and property damage; officials said the violence was less severe than the previous weekend. Large demonstrations also took place in other European cities: rallies were peaceful in Milan, while brief clashes occurred in Rome and Turin. The protests are adding pressure on President Emmanuel Macron as France approaches a presidential election.