France 24 reported nearly 2,400 arrests after weekend clashes and shop looting during protests over living costs and public services, which the broadcaster said heightened political uncertainty ahead of elections about six months away.
The broadcaster said demonstrators were also concerned about school conditions. France’s Interior Ministry estimated turnout at 550,000 for marches on Oct. 17. An earlier EconoTimes account of the Oct. 17 marches covered the cost-of-living debate.
President Emmanuel Macron urged action on complaints raised by peaceful demonstrators on Oct. 18 and condemned damage to businesses. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said Oct. 19 he had instructed prefects to impose localized curfews and outlined support for affected shops.
