Nationwide demonstrations against rising living costs, deteriorating public services and poor conditions in secondary schools erupted into widespread violence across France on Saturday, with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu reporting 1,200 arrests and 150 police officers injured.

The Interior Ministry estimated that around 550,000 people took part in demonstrations nationwide, including approximately 110,000 in Paris. The CGT trade union, however, put the turnout at about 800,000.

While many marches remained peaceful, masked groups clashed with police, set buildings and vehicles on fire, looted shops and damaged public property in several cities. Riot police deployed tear gas, water cannon and batons to disperse crowds in the capital.

In Paris, vehicles were torched near Place de la République, shops were ransacked and a restaurant was gutted by fire. In Limoges, a blaze at the town hall caused part of the building to collapse, while Lyon's tourist office was set ablaze. In Marseille, demonstrators broke into the city hall and vandalised its interior.

Authorities also reported damage to businesses and public buildings in Grenoble, Lille, Toulouse, Rennes and several other cities.

In Saint-Étienne, a young protester suffered a severe hand injury involving an explosive device. The incident added to scrutiny of the handling of the demonstrations, while police conduct also came under investigation following allegations of excessive force.

School shortages and economic pressure fuel unrest

The protests began with student-led demonstrations against staff shortages and deteriorating facilities in France's lycées, secondary schools serving students aged 15 to 18. They subsequently drew support from trade unions, cost-of-living campaigners and members of the gilets jaunes, or yellow vest, movement that mobilised against rising living costs and fuel taxes in 2018.

Rising fuel prices, inflation and declining purchasing power have broadened the movement's appeal, bringing together groups with different political priorities but shared grievances over living standards and public services.

Education Minister Édouard Geffray has pledged to provide 3,000 additional substitute teachers, but the government's concessions have failed to halt the demonstrations.

The unrest has also renewed debate over public spending, social inequality and the government's ability to maintain essential services amid mounting pressure on public finances.

Political tensions rise ahead of 2027 election

The protests are adding to political uncertainty ahead of France's 2027 presidential election, as President Emmanuel Macron approaches the end of his term and rival parties seek to capitalise on public discontent.

Lecornu accused radical left-wing groups and other individuals of exploiting the demonstrations to advance political agendas, warning that violence would not intimidate the government.

President Macron vowed that those responsible for attacks on public buildings, businesses and town halls would be prosecuted.

Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally, accused the far left of hijacking protesters' legitimate demands. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the left-wing La France Insoumise party, joined the demonstrations and criticised police conduct while condemning looting and arson.

The unrest has also coincided with smaller demonstrations elsewhere in Europe, including Belgium, Portugal and Italy, where protesters have voiced concerns over living costs, housing affordability and access to education.

As France faces mounting economic and political pressures, the scale of Saturday's mobilisation highlights the challenge confronting the government: addressing widespread public grievances while preventing further violence and preserving the right to peaceful protest. (ILKHA)