Paris, Oct 18 (V7N)- Protests over deteriorating educational conditions and the rising cost of living have reportedly turned violent across France, with clashes, arson and looting prompting police to detain at least 1,200 people nationwide.

According to the supplied report attributed to BBC News, around 550,000 people took part in demonstrations on Saturday, October 17. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said at least 150 police officers were injured during clashes.

Demonstrations in central Paris, including around the historic Place de la République, remained peaceful until the afternoon before violence erupted in the evening. Masked protesters reportedly breached barricades, set vehicles on fire, vandalised shops and torched several restaurants.

Riot police used tear gas, water cannons and baton charges to disperse crowds and restore order.

Historic buildings damaged in arson attacks

Violence was also reported in several cities outside the capital. In Limoges, protesters allegedly set fire to the historic city hall, causing part of its roof to collapse. Regional authorities said approximately two-thirds of the 143-year-old building had been destroyed.

In Lyon, the city's tourism office was reportedly set on fire. Mayor Grégory Doucet said the incident damaged the historic facility, while unrest prevented firefighters from carrying out their work effectively.

In the southeastern city of Saint-Étienne, Mayor Régis Juanico confirmed that a young protester lost a hand when a police grenade exploded.

Looting was reported in Paris and other cities. An Apple showroom in Lille was reportedly broken into and its products stolen, while masked individuals in Grenoble allegedly hijacked a tourist train and attempted to direct it towards riot police.

Marseille, Rennes and Toulouse also experienced incidents of vandalism, according to the report.

Student movement expands into nationwide protests

The demonstrations began as a student-led movement against deteriorating school infrastructure, teacher shortages and the rising cost of living. Students aged 15 to 18 initially boycotted classes to press their demands.

Trade union activists and supporters of the Yellow Vests movement, which gained national prominence in 2018, later joined the demonstrations, expanding the protests into a broader anti-government mobilisation.

France's Education Ministry has reportedly promised to recruit an additional 3,000 teachers. However, protest organisers have rejected the proposed measure as insufficient.

Political tensions intensify

The unrest has created fresh political pressure for President Emmanuel Macron as his presidency approaches its scheduled end in May, according to the supplied report.

The next presidential election is expected to feature competition between Marine Le Pen of the far-right National Rally and Jean-Luc Mélenchon of the left-wing La France Insoumise, although the political contest remains subject to the electoral process.

Le Pen has accused Mélenchon of encouraging the violence, while Macron has issued a strong warning against attacks on public institutions and businesses.

The president said those responsible for attacking administrative offices, damaging businesses and looting the city hall would be brought to justice and face severe punishment.

The demonstrations have highlighted growing public frustration over education, living costs and government policy, while the reported violence has intensified concerns about public safety and the country's political climate.

END/SMA/AJ