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Scuffles Break Out as Protesters Rally Across France, Joining Students

On Saturday, October 17, 2026, students joined nationwide protests across France against rising living costs and inequality, as authorities deployed heavy police presence in central Paris amid fears of violent clashes.
Unrest originally began last month at high schools in northern Paris over teacher shortages and shabby facilities before expanding into a broader national movement focused on inequality and public spending.
Authorities arrested 40 people ahead of planned demonstrations, while French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez warned that security forces could use intermediate weapons, including stun grenades, if violence erupts.
Major labor unions backed the protests, calling for action on rising living costs, inequality, and weak public spending to broaden participation across France.
Tensions remain high following hundreds of injuries among demonstrators and police in recent weeks, while authorities closed many metro stations and continue monitoring to prevent further clashes.

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13 Articles

Tear gas, clashes between protesters and police hit French cities in cost-of-living demonstrations

The student-led movement broadened from protesting the eduction system to a nationwide demonstration against inequality and excessive public spending.

47 minutes ago·Jerusalem, Israel

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Spiegel

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Tear Gas and Arrests in Mass Protests in France

In France, a national protest day has begun because of high prices and marauding schools. The authorities fear riots, the first clashes have already taken place.

2 hours ago·Hamburg, Germany

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The Independent

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The Independent (US)

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Police use tear gas as protests break out in France

2 hours ago·London, United Kingdom

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Lean Right

See the Wild Pictures: Police Fire Tear Gas at Protesters

Saturday's clashes between police and protesters in Paris are not going quietly.

2 hours ago·Borås, Sweden

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WPLG

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Center

Scuffles break out as protesters rally across France, joining students

PARIS (AP) — Scuffles broke out Saturday in Paris between police and small groups of protesters joining a march as part of nationwide demonstrations against rising living costs and in support of high school students’ grievances.

5 hours ago·Miami, United States

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