More than 1,200 people have been arrested across France following demonstrations over rising living costs and deteriorating conditions in secondary schools, with clashes, arson and looting reported in several cities.
An estimated 550,000 people participated in Saturday’s protests, which the French government said were marked by escalating violence. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu disclosed that about 150 police officers were injured during the unrest.
In Paris, demonstrations that initially appeared peaceful descended into confrontations between protesters and security forces as the day progressed. Police deployed tear gas and water cannon to disperse crowds, while vehicles and buildings were set ablaze in parts of the capital.
Several businesses were vandalised and looted, including food and clothing shops. A bar, La Barrique, was also gutted by fire, while clashes between protesters and police continued into the evening around central locations, including Place de la République.
The violence spread to other parts of the country. In Limoges, a fire at the town hall caused part of the roof to collapse, while Lyon’s tourist office was set ablaze. The city’s mayor, Grégory Doucet, described the incident as a tragedy because of the building’s historical significance.
Authorities also reported damage to public buildings and businesses in Grenoble, Avignon, Pau, Montpellier and Valence. In Lille, an Apple store was broken into and looted.
Saint-Étienne Mayor Régis Juanico reported that a young man suffered a severe hand injury after a small explosive device detonated.
The demonstrations follow weeks of student protests over staff shortages and poor facilities in French secondary schools, known as lycées. Trade union members and other groups have since joined the movement, including supporters of the gilets jaunes, or yellow vest, protests that began in 2018 over the cost of living.
France’s Interior Ministry said some demonstrators, including masked individuals, carried out targeted acts of violence in cities such as Marseille, Rennes, Toulouse and Angers.
The unrest has also triggered political disagreements as France approaches a presidential election scheduled for April next year, ahead of President Emmanuel Macron’s departure from office.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the left-wing La France Insoumise party, participated in demonstrations and accused police of using excessive force against protesters, while condemning looting and arson.
Lecornu criticised Mélenchon’s remarks as dangerous, arguing that some groups were using the demonstrations to prepare for the upcoming election. He insisted that political objectives would not be allowed to advance through violence.
Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally, accused the far left of exploiting protesters’ legitimate grievances and contributing to the unrest.
Macron, meanwhile, warned that those responsible for attacking public buildings, looting businesses and vandalising town halls would face prosecution.
The government had previously announced plans to address some of the concerns raised by students, with Education Minister Édouard Geffray promising 3,000 additional supply teachers in an October 8 television interview. However, demonstrations have continued despite the proposed measure, amid broader frustrations over living costs and public services.
