PARIS: Police in France arrested at least 1,200 people after Saturday’s protests over school conditions and living costs brought clashes, looting and fires to several cities.
An estimated 550,000 people joined the demonstrations nationwide. The local prefecture confirmed that a fire at the town hall caused part of the roof to collapse.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said 150 police officers suffered injuries during the unrest. President Emmanuel Macron pledged to prosecute and punish those responsible for attacks on public buildings and businesses.
In Paris, the main afternoon march appeared largely peaceful. However, clashes intensified later as some groups burned vehicles and lit street fires, including at Place de la République.
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Riot police used tear gas and water cannons. Shops were looted, and fire gutted at least one restaurant. BBC reporters witnessed officers charging a crowd and striking several people with batons in central Paris.
They also saw fighting between some groups. Meanwhile, a blaze damaged Lyon’s tourist office. Mayor Grégory Doucet described the destruction as a tragedy, while local police said hostile individuals prevented firefighters from working safely.
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In Saint-Étienne, Mayor Régis Juanico said a young man lost a hand in an explosion. The demonstrations follow weeks of student protests over staff shortages and deteriorating secondary-school facilities.
Trade union members and other groups, including yellow vest protesters, have joined the movement. Jean-Luc Mélenchon of La France Insoumise took part in the demonstrations and later accused police of attacking protesters. However, he condemned looting and arson.
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Lecornu rejected his criticism as dangerous and cynical. He argued that some groups were exploiting the demonstrations for political purposes.
Education Minister Édouard Geffray promised 3,000 additional supply teachers during an October 8 television interview, but demonstrations have continued.
