"Demonstrating is no longer a right, but a risk we must take": for the protesters of October 17, the question of whether to return or not

On October 17, Joël, a 37-year-old cheesemaker, joined a protest in Limoges inspired by fellow farmers and students. Despite his hopes for a joyful demonstration, violence erupted, overshadowing the peaceful intentions. Joël felt his demands were stolen by the chaos, as some protesters attempted to access the highway and set vehicles and the town hall on fire. With around 550,000 participants, uncertainty looms over how many will return for the next protest on October 24, called by student organizations and labor unions amid school holidays.