Paris: France witnessed widespread unrest on Saturday as demonstrations over the rising cost of living, deteriorating public services and poor conditions in schools turned violent in several cities. More than 1,200 people were arrested, while at least 150 police officers sustained injuries, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said.

An estimated 550,000 people participated in the nationwide demonstrations, according to the Interior Ministry. However, the CGT trade union put the turnout at around 800,000. While many marches remained peaceful, groups of rioters clashed with police, set buildings on fire and looted shops.

Paris Sees Clashes, Tear Gas and Widespread LootingIn Paris, violence intensified around Place de la République and other areas as masked protesters threw fireworks and stones at police. Officers responded with tear gas, while several shops, banks and commercial establishments were vandalised or looted.

Reports also described fires involving vehicles and street objects, with damage spreading across several neighbourhoods. Police faced confrontations as authorities attempted to contain the unrest.

Historic Limoges Town Hall Damaged in Major FireThe violence caused extensive damage to public buildings in multiple cities. In Limoges, a fire set by masked protesters severely damaged the historic town hall, with authorities reporting that much of the building had been destroyed and its roof had collapsed.

In Marseille, protesters forced their way into the town hall and vandalised its interiors, while a tourist office in Lyon was also set ablaze. Shops, supermarkets and other businesses were targeted in several locations, according to reports.

Protests Driven by School Conditions and Cost-of-Living ConcernsThe demonstrations followed weeks of student-led protests that began in schools in the northern suburbs of Paris. Initial anger over teacher shortages and inadequate school facilities gradually expanded into a wider movement against rising living costs, inequality and declining public services.

Trade unions, including the CGT, supported the mobilisation, calling for higher wages and pensions, lower prices and better public services. The protests also revived comparisons with France’s earlier Yellow Vest movement, which emerged over economic hardship and social inequality.

Government Condemns Violence as Police Tactics Face ScrutinyLecornu condemned the violence and said the government would not be intimidated by those seeking to advance political agendas through unrest. President Emmanuel Macron also vowed that those responsible for attacks, vandalism and looting would face prosecution.

At the same time, police crowd-control tactics came under scrutiny following reports of injuries among demonstrators. French media reported that a 17-year-old suffered a severe hand injury after an incident involving a crowd-control grenade in Saint-Étienne. The incident added to concerns over the use of force during protests.

The unrest presents a challenge for French authorities as public frustration over living standards and public services continues to fuel demonstrations across the country.