France’s latest protest wave grew from student demonstrations over school conditions and resources, then widened into anger over the cost of living. On Saturday 17 October, students, trade unions and Yellow Vest activists joined marches across the country. Authorities estimated 550,000 participants nationwide; organisers put the figure at about 800,000, according to the Associated Press.

Most people demonstrated peacefully, but clashes, arson and looting followed in several cities. Fire severely damaged Limoges’s 19th-century town hall, and businesses and public buildings were attacked elsewhere. French authorities later reported about 2,400 arrests; the Interior Ministry also reported nearly 1,000 police and gendarmes injured, according to AFP. These figures remain subject to official updates.

On Sunday, President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence and promised a review of how authorities prepared for the protests. On Monday, the Elysée said he had refused Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez’s resignation. Nuñez acknowledged a lack of anticipation in deploying police, while Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu was due to chair a crisis meeting on damage, insurance and judicial follow-up, Le Monde reported. Further developments will appear as separate, timestamped live updates below.