More Than 320,000 Protest in France over Cost of Living and Public Services; 290 Detained

France has witnessed another wave of protests over rising living costs and dissatisfaction with the quality of public services. More than 320,000 people took part in demonstrations across the country, including in the capital, Paris. Clashes broke out between protesters and police in several locations, prompting officers to fire tear gas. At least 290 people were detained.

France's Interior Ministry released the figures on Saturday, October 31. According to the ministry, around 70,000 of the demonstrators were in Paris.

Protests of this kind have been held across France on weekends for three consecutive weeks. The growing financial pressure on households caused by rising living costs, along with dissatisfaction over public services, has been among the main drivers of the demonstrations. Preparations are also underway for a nationwide general strike in the coming days.

Two weeks earlier, demonstrations in several parts of France were accompanied by vandalism, violence and looting. Authorities strengthened security measures in advance this time to prevent a repeat of those incidents. Despite the precautionary measures, clashes still broke out between protesters and police at several locations in Paris.

Similar protest movements have also emerged in other European countries. People from various professional and social backgrounds demonstrated in Albania, Germany and Italy.

According to a report by the British broadcaster BBC, young people are increasingly participating in protests across Europe. Issues such as the rising cost of living and dissatisfaction with public services continue to play a significant role in these demonstrations.