1,200 arrested, 150 police personnel injured as violent protests erupt in France

At least 1,200 people were arrested, and 150 police officers were injured during violent protests across France on Saturday (October 17), as anger over the rising cost of living and the condition of schools spilt onto the streets. In Paris, cars were set ablaze, and shops ransacked, while police responded by firing tear gas shells and water cannons to disperse crowds. Fires and damage to public buildings were also reported in several other cities.

The protests brought together high school students, trade union members and supporters of the yellow vest movement, which began in 2018 over rising costs and social injustice.

The French government described the unrest as an "escalation in violence". Police reported attacks by masked groups, while demonstrations continued in cities including Marseille, Rennes and Toulouse.

Clashes and looting erupt in Paris

In Paris, clashes continued into the evening around Place de la République, where demonstrators threw fireworks, paving stones and other objects at police. Vehicles and rubbish bins were set on fire, thick black smoke rose over the streets, and several shops were looted. Police also used batons against some protesters.

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The main march in the capital had remained largely peaceful during the afternoon. Many demonstrators carried flags, sang the national anthem and played musical instruments as they moved towards northwestern Paris. Some young protesters told the BBC they were "pacifists" who were "just trying to make things change, but nothing is moving".

Fires and damage reported in several cities

The unrest spread to other parts of the country. In Lyon, a fire broke out at the tourist office, which Mayor Grégory Doucet called "a tragedy" for the city. In Limoges, a large fire at the town hall caused part of its roof to collapse. Shops and a municipal police station were damaged in Marseille, where protesters briefly entered City Hall.

“This is unacceptable," Marseille Mayor Benoît Payan told BFM TV, describing the damage in City Hall as “limited.”

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The interior ministry reported violence by masked groups in cities including Rennes, Toulouse, Montpellier and Grenoble. Damage to buildings was also reported in Avignon, Pau, Valence and other locations. Clothes and food shops were raided in Paris, while an Apple store in Lille was broken into and emptied.

School grievances fuel nationwide protests

The protests began amid student anger over staff shortages and deteriorating facilities in secondary schools. Student groups have organised school blockades since mid-September, with unions and other groups joining their campaign.

The CGT union backed Saturday's demonstrations, demanding “higher wages and pensions, lower prices and the protection of public services that meet people's needs.” It estimated that more than 500,000 people had taken part nationwide.

Many demonstrators also wore the fluorescent yellow vests associated with the 2018 movement.

Macron vows prosecution

President Emmanuel Macron said those responsible for attacks on public buildings and businesses would face prosecution. “Those who have broken, attacked the prefectures as well as businesses, looted even our town halls, will be prosecuted and punished,” he said, as quoted by the BBC.

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The government has announced plans to add 3,000 supply teachers, but the demonstrations have continued. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez also suspended the use of a type of police stun grenade against young protesters after a 15-year-old lost a hand.

In Saint-Étienne, Mayor Régis Juanico said a young man "had his hand blown off by a grenade", adding: "Such a tragedy should never have happened."

(With agency inputs)