In brief
France saw a massive wave of protests on Saturday, with an estimated 550,000 people demanding increased investment in education and tackling the escalating cost of living. The demonstrations quickly turned chaotic as vehicles were set on fire and storefronts were ransacked. Rioters clashed with riot police, who deployed tear gas and water cannons, resulting in at least 1,200 arrests. The unrest follows weeks of student‑led demonstrations, reflecting broader anger toward President Emmanuel Macron’s handling of the crisis.
An estimated 550,000 people took part in protests across France, demanding greater investment in education and action on the rising cost of living.
The demonstrations quickly descended into violence, with cars and buildings set alight and shops ransacked.
At least 1,200 people was arrested on Saturday as riot police deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds.
The unrest follows weeks of student‑led protests, with demonstrators joining forces to express growing anger over economic conditions and French President Emmanuel Macron’s handling of the crisis.
In a social media post, Macron denounced the violence and said that vandals and looters will be "prosecuted and punished".
BBC correspondent Adina Campbell reports from Paris.
