In brief
An estimated 550,000 people joined protests across France calling for greater investment in education and action on the rising cost of living. Chaos erupted as cars were set on fire, buildings burned and shops ransacked, prompting riot police to deploy tear gas and water cannons. At least 1,200 people were detained while President Macron condemned the violence and vowed to prosecute offenders. The unrest follows weeks of student‑led protests and reflects anger at economic conditions and the government’s crisis response.
On Saturday, an estimated 550,000 people marched across France demanding better investment in education and action on the rising cost of living.
The demonstrations quickly devolved into violence as cars were burned, buildings set alight and shopkeepers found their premises ransacked.
Riot police, equipped with tear gas and water cannons, tried to disperse the crowds. At least 1,200 people were arrested during the day.
The unrest follows weeks of student‑led protests and reflects growing anger at the economic conditions and President Emmanuel Macron’s handling of the crisis. Adina Campbell reports from Paris for BBC.
