Violent clashes, looting and buildings ablaze in France as over 1,200 arrested after protests

The story in context

Demonstrations over school conditions and living costs were accompanied by violence across France on Saturday, 17 October, with at least 1,200 arrests, BBC News reported. An estimated 550,000 people joined the protests. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said 150 police officers were injured as clashes, arson and looting spread through several cities.

The main Paris march was largely peaceful during the afternoon, according to the BBC, before groups set street fires, burned vehicles and ransacked shops. Police used tear gas and water cannon, and BBC journalists reported seeing officers strike people with batons. In Limoges, a fire at the town hall caused part of the building to collapse. Lyon’s tourist office also burned, with local police saying people obstructed firefighters. Saint-Étienne’s mayor said a young man lost a hand in a grenade explosion.

The demonstrations followed weeks of student protests over teacher shortages and deteriorating facilities in secondary schools. Trade union members and other groups joined Saturday’s action, including participants from the yellow vest movement, which began protesting rising living costs in 2018. Education Minister Édouard Geffray had promised 3,000 additional supply teachers on 8 October, but the BBC reported that demonstrations continued to grow.

The unrest also sharpened political divisions ahead of the presidential election due in April. Jean-Luc Mélenchon criticised police conduct while condemning arson and looting; Lecornu rejected his remarks and accused some groups of using unrest to advance electoral aims. Marine Le Pen blamed the far left for diverting protesters’ grievances into violence. President Emmanuel Macron said those responsible for attacks and destruction would face prosecution.