About 1,200 people were detained across France on Saturday, October 17, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said, after protests over living costs and school conditions turned violent. Police confronted groups involved in looting and arson, while fires damaged public buildings in several cities.

The Interior Ministry estimated nationwide turnout at 550,000, including about 110,000 in Paris, while the CGT trade union put participation at 800,000. Students, union members and other protest groups joined the demonstrations.

Fires damage town hall and tourist office

In Limoges, protesters broke into the town hall at about 6 p.m. and set it ablaze, the Haute-Vienne prefecture said. The building’s spire collapsed overnight, and the prefecture said the historic town hall was largely destroyed.

The prefecture also reported looting around Rue Jean Jaurès. Four police officers suffered more serious injuries, and four police vehicles were destroyed. Police detained 19 people in the region, where investigations were continuing.

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In Lyon, a fire damaged the city’s tourist office. Local police said hostile individuals prevented firefighters from safely tackling the blaze. Marseille also saw looting and an intrusion into its town hall.

Police confront groups in Paris

In Paris, police used tear gas and water cannons during clashes that continued into the evening. Shops were looted, vehicles burned and at least one restaurant was gutted by fire.

The main march was largely peaceful during the afternoon, despite violence elsewhere in the capital. Areas around Boulevard de Clichy and Place de Clichy also remained peaceful, according to a Euronews journalist at the scene.

Lecornu said 150 police officers had been injured nationwide. The total number of injured demonstrators remains unclear. France’s police watchdog is investigating at least two dozen allegations of police violence.

School protests broaden into national movement

The demonstrations followed weeks of student protests over staff shortages and deteriorating high-school buildings. The movement expanded to include demands over living standards, inequality and public spending, drawing support from trade unions and the Yellow Vests protest movement.

President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence and said those responsible for attacks and looting would be prosecuted and punished. Lecornu said some groups were using the unrest to prepare for next year’s presidential election and said violence would not dictate the political agenda.

Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the left-wing La France Insoumise party, criticised police handling of the demonstrations. He also condemned looting and arson and urged supporters not to take part in destruction.