France faces 800,000 protesters over cost of living

On October 17, 2026, France witnessed widespread protests involving approximately 550,000 people according to authorities, while organizers estimated the number of protesters at 800,000. The demonstrations were fueled by social anger over rising living costs and declining purchasing power. The protests were marked by the participation of students, trade unionists, and civil groups, and escalated into clashes and acts of violence in some cities, including an incident where a protester lost a hand due to a bomb explosion launched by security forces in Saint-Étienne, with similar incidents occurring in Lens. These scenes prompted questions about the effectiveness of the law enforcement plan, amid accusations of foreign involvement or organized groups, though investigations have not confirmed any European coordination or organized external participation. The government faces two main challenges: maintaining security and protecting property, and responding to social demands, while debates continue over the management of the protests and the performance of security agencies.

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