France Arrests 1,200 in Protests as 550,000 March and Arson Engulfs City Halls

3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Oct 17

At least 1,200 people were arrested on Saturday as nationwide protests over education standards and living costs spiraled into clashes, looting and arson across France.
550,000 people joined the demonstrations, but violence intensified by evening in Paris and other cities, with riot police using tear gas and water cannon as cars, shops and public buildings were set ablaze.
60 law enforcement officers were injured, including two hospitalized unconscious, while fires badly damaged landmarks including Limoges town hall—where part of the roof collapsed—and Lyon's tourist office.
Macron said those who attacked prefectures, town halls and businesses would be prosecuted, while Mélenchon accused police of "unleashing" on protesters and Le Pen blamed the far left for hijacking legitimate demands.
The unrest has grown from weeks of student-led protests over staff shortages and poor lycée conditions, despite a government pledge of 3,000 extra supply teachers, and now feeds into France's tense run-up to next year's presidential election.