Protests over poor school conditions and the rising cost of living escalated into widespread violence across France on Saturday, with clashes, fires, looting and damage reported in Paris and several other cities.
The French government said about 5.5 lakh people took to the streets and at least 1,200 people were arrested. It described the unrest as an increase in violence. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said 150 police officers were injured during the disturbances.
Paris saw major confrontations with riot police by the evening. Officers used tear gas and water cannon against crowds, while fires were reported in the capital and elsewhere. The main march in Paris appeared largely peaceful during the afternoon before violence intensified later in the day.
Some groups set fire to streets and vehicles, including around Place de la République in the city centre. Shops were damaged and looted, and at least one restaurant was completely destroyed by fire. Fighting between groups was also witnessed in Paris.
Damage and disruption across cities
Limoges was among the affected locations. A major fire at the town hall caused part of its roof to collapse as firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control.
In Lyon, the city's tourism office was set on fire. Mayor Grégory Doucet described the incident as a tragedy for the city and told BFMTV that the building was a well-known historic site. Local police said hostile people prevented firefighters from tackling the blaze safely.
Buildings were also reported damaged in Grenoble, Avignon, Pau, Montpellier and Valence. The Interior Ministry said masked people carried out targeted violent incidents in parts of Paris and in Marseille, Rennes, Toulouse and Angers.
Looting was reported at clothing and food shops in Paris. In Lille, people entered an Apple Store and removed goods. BBC Verify confirmed a video showing masked people moving a tourist train towards at least three riot police officers on a narrow street in central Grenoble.
Regis Juanico, the mayor of Saint-Étienne, said on social media that a young man lost his hand in a grenade incident. He called it a tragedy that should never have happened.
Why the protests grew
The demonstrations began amid demands for better conditions in France's secondary schools, known as lycées, where students aged 15 to 18 study. Millions of students have protested in recent weeks over staff shortages and deteriorating facilities.
Since the end of September, students have closed the entrances of hundreds of high schools across the country while calling for improved conditions. Clashes with security forces have also occurred during those protests.
High school and university students continued to demand greater investment in education. A coalition of some of the country's largest unions joined them, helping increase the size of Saturday's demonstrations.
The so-called Yellow Vest movement was also among the groups involved. Its members held protests against the rising cost of living for more than 1 year from 2018, in what became one of France's longest-running protest movements.
Young people told the BBC they were pacifists who were trying to change things because nothing was changing. Their comments reflected the gap between the largely peaceful demands of many demonstrators and the violence reported in several locations.
Conclusion
The protests combined long-running demands for better schools and relief from rising living costs with serious violence in several French cities. The government reported about 5.5 lakh participants, at least 1,200 arrests and 150 injured police officers, while damage and fires affected public buildings, shops and other sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What triggered the demonstrations?
The protests focused on poor conditions in France's schools and the rising cost of living.
Q. How many people did the government say joined the protests?
The government said about 5.5 lakh people took part across France.
Q. How many arrests were reported?
At least 1,200 people were arrested, according to the French government.
Q. How many police officers were injured?
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said 150 police officers were injured.
Q. Which cities reported violence or damage?
Paris, Limoges, Lyon, Marseille, Rennes, Toulouse, Angers, Grenoble, Avignon, Pau, Montpellier, Valence, Lille and Saint-Étienne were among the places mentioned.
Q. What happened at the Limoges town hall?
A fire caused part of the town hall's roof to collapse while firefighters worked to control the blaze.
Q. What are the Yellow Vests?
The Yellow Vest movement protested against the rising cost of living for more than 1 year from 2018.
Q. What age group studies in the lycées mentioned in the report?
Students aged 15 to 18 study in the secondary schools known as lycées.
