Clashes hit French cities over cost of living

French police charged on protesters in Paris on Saturday (October 17) as some of the most violent protests in years over living costs and public services drew thousands onto the streets.

The protests began last month at high schools in Paris’ poor northern suburbs , where anger over teacher shortages and shabby facilities evolved into a broader movement focused on inequality, public spending and living standards.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who urged calm on Friday, is entering the final stretch of his presidency amid a fragmented political landscape and growing pressure over the economy.

France’s efforts to reduce public debt have failed to reassure investors, pushing government borrowing costs to their highest levels in more than two decades.