France’s October 17 protests: Who took to the streets and what do they want?

Despite their different affiliations and demands, the protesters share a sense that living conditions and public services are deteriorating and that government policies are failing to address their needs. The Yellow Vests focus on inflation, purchasing power, and taxes; trade unions demand higher wages and pensions and better working conditions; students seek increased education funding and solutions to teacher shortages and poor school conditions; and farmers protest rising production costs and declining incomes.