Protests erupt across France against rising living costs and in support of students

October 17, 2026 / 9:13 AM EDT / 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.

Police used tear gas to push back people wearing hoods and masks and throwing fireworks and other objects at officers in the Place de la République, northeast of the Paris city center. Large numbers of riot police were deployed in the square and surrounding streets.

Protesters across France responded to calls on social media to revive the "yellow vest" movement, which emerged in 2018 against social injustice. Student groups protesting since mid-September through school blockades have urged supporters to join them.

The CGT, one of France's major labor unions, also backed the protests, calling for "higher wages and pensions, lower prices and the protection of public services that meet people's needs."

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez's office said authorities had recorded 140 protest actions outside the Paris region by midday, involving over 30,000 people. Authorities reported at least 166 arrests across the country.

Nuñez's office pointed out to violence carried out by people wearing masks in Paris, Marseille, Rennes…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/world/