# 550,000 protest in France as violence erupts

> Demonstrations over education funding and cost of living descended into rioting, with over 1,200 arrested.
- Title: 550,000 protest in France as violence erupts · BBC News
- Summary: Demonstrations over education funding and cost of living descended into rioting, with over 1,200 arrested. An estimated 550,000 people protested across…
- Keywords: france, protests, paris, emmanuel macron, education funding, cost of living, riot police, news, world, 550, 000, protest
- Source: BBC News — https://bbc.co.uk/news/videos/cwz0vy770gpzo
- Published: 2026-10-17T21:33:17.096+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: france, protests, paris, emmanuel macron, education funding, cost of living, riot police, news, world
## 550,000 march across France
An estimated 550,000 people took part in protests across France on Saturday, demanding greater investment in education and action on the rising cost of living.
## Protests turn violent
The demonstrations quickly descended into violence, with cars and buildings set alight and shops ransacked. At least 1,200 people were arrested as riot police deployed tear gas and water cannons.
## Macron vows to punish vandals
The unrest follows weeks of student-led protests. In a social media post, President Emmanuel Macron denounced the violence and said vandals and looters will be prosecuted and punished.

> vandals and looters will be prosecuted and punished
## Key takeaway

An estimated 550,000 people protested across France over education and living costs on October 17, but demonstrations turned violent with cars burned, shops ransacked, and 1,200 arrested.