Over 1,200 arrested in France as protests turn violent, with town halls and shops hit

Demonstrations over poor conditions in schools and the cost of living turned violent in several French cities on Saturday. Around 550,000 people took to the streets, according to estimates, and at least 1,200 were arrested. The government called the events an "escalation in violence". The unrest comes as France heads into a period of deep political uncertainty.

Disorder in Paris and elsewhere

The main Paris march was largely peaceful in the afternoon, but later some groups lit street fires and torched vehicles, including at the Place de la République. Shops were ransacked and at least one restaurant was gutted. Riot police used tear gas and water cannon, and were seen hitting people with batons. In Limoges, a fire at the town hall caused part of the roof to collapse, and in Lyon the city's tourist office was burned. Local police said "hostile individuals" stopped firefighters from tackling the blaze safely. In Saint-Étienne, a young man had his hand blown off by a grenade. An Apple store in Lille was broken into and emptied. Damage was also reported in Grenoble, Avignon, Pau, Montpellier and Valence.

Who is protesting

In recent weeks, hundreds of thousands of students have protested over staff shortages and dilapidated facilities in lycées, the secondary schools for 15 to 18-year-olds. On Saturday they were joined by trade union members and other groups, including the "yellow vest" movement, which protested against cost-of-living rises for over a year from 2018. Education Minister Édouard Geffray promised 3,000 extra supply teachers on 8 October, but the protests have continued and intensified.

Political reaction

Lecornu said police faced "violence of extreme intensity" and that no one would impose a political agenda through violence. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the hard-left La France Insoumise, accused police of "unleashing" on protesters while condemning looting and arson; Lecornu called his comments "dangerous and cynical". National Rally leader Marine Le Pen accused Mélenchon of fuelling the violence. President Emmanuel Macron, who leaves office next year, said those responsible would be prosecuted and punished. Polls suggest April's presidential election could come down to Le Pen against Mélenchon.