Nationwide French protests bring clashes and hundreds of arrests

Protests over living costs, inequality and conditions in public schools spread across France on Saturday, bringing clashes, fires and at least 272 arrests while largely peaceful crowds marched in cities nationwide.

The movement began in September with high-school blockades over teacher shortages, overcrowding and deteriorating facilities, then broadened with support from trade unionists and activists seeking to revive the Yellow Vest movement. More than 600 demonstrations were planned across the country, according to organizers.

In Paris, police used tear gas and water cannons against masked groups throwing fireworks and other objects at officers near Place de la République. A car and newspaper kiosk were set ablaze, while windows at the offices of broadcasters CNews and Europe 1 were broken. The main body of protesters marched peacefully toward northwestern Paris.

Violence was also reported in Marseille, where municipal buildings and shops were damaged, and in Lyon, where a tourism office caught fire. Deutsche Welle reported that Limoges’ town hall was set alight and protesters entered and vandalized Lille’s town hall. Authorities blamed violent incidents on far-left groups and cited attempted looting, attacks on police and damage to public buildings.

The unrest follows weeks of student demonstrations and allegations of excessive police force. Earlier in October, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez suspended police use of stun grenades at student protests after a 15-year-old boy lost a hand in Lens. France is also under pressure to reduce a widening budget deficit and debt exceeding the size of its economy, constraining spending as protesters demand improved public services.