Over 1,200 people were arrested Saturday as violence erupted across France during protests against school conditions and the cost of living, the French government reported. An estimated 550,000 people took to the streets, according to the government's count.
Clashes between demonstrators and riot police intensified as the day progressed. In Paris, officers deployed tear gas and water cannons on crowds. Buildings were set ablaze in multiple cities. A town hall in Limoges suffered a partly collapsed roof from fire. Shops were ransacked in Paris and other cities, including an Apple store in Lille. Looting and vandalism targeted city halls and businesses across the country.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said 150 police officers were injured. He described some groups as using the protests as a "warm-up" for the presidential elections, stating "No-one will impose their political agenda through violence."
In Saint-Étienne, a young man "had his hand blown off by a grenade," according to Mayor Régis Juanico, who called it "a tragedy" that should never have happened.
The interior ministry attributed "targeted acts of violence" to "hooded individuals" in Paris, Marseille, Rennes, Toulouse, Angers and other cities. BBC Verify authenticated footage showing a tourist train in Grenoble driven by masked men toward riot police officers.
The afternoon march in Paris appeared largely peaceful. Young protesters told the BBC they were "pacifists" seeking change. As evening arrived, groups lit street fires and torched vehicles in locations including Place de la République.
Hard-left politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon participated in demonstrations and accused police of "unleashing" on protesters while condemning looting and arson. Prime Minister Lecornu called Mélenchon's comments "dangerous and cynical." National Rally leader Marine Le Pen said "legitimate demands" had been "held hostage by the far left," accusing Mélenchon of fuelling violence.
President Emmanuel Macron said those who broke, attacked prefectures, looted businesses and town halls "will be prosecuted and punished."
Students have protested for weeks over staff shortages and deteriorating facilities in secondary schools. The Education Minister promised 3,000 extra supply teachers on October 8, but protests have continued and intensified. Demonstrations drew trade union members and the "yellow vest" movement, which protested cost-of-living increases from 2018 onward.