In brief
On Saturday, massive student and unity protests in France turned violent as riot police faced thousands of demonstrators. Buildings, including a tourist office and town halls, were set aflame and looting spread across cities. More than 400 people were arrested while police used tear gas and water cannons. The unrest comes ahead of Monsoon's election, adding political pressure to an already tense social climate.
In the heart of France, protests over student budgets and rising living costs spiralled into chaos. With around 550,000 people on the streets, cities like Paris, Lyon, and Limoges faced clashes and fires.
Hundreds – at least 400 – were arrested after riot police fired tear gas and water cannons in the capital. Meanwhile, smoke rose from burned tourist offices, a town hall roof collapsed, and a bar in Paris was set on fire.
Students and young activists described the rally as “pacifist”, but some groups took up torches. Looting broke out in shops, and even an Apple store in Lille was emptied by raiders.
The incidents come as France braces for a presidential election, with President Emmanuel Macron promising to punish those who “attacked” public buildings and the government offering 3,000 extra supply teachers.
Still, political voices clash: the National Rally’s Marine Le Pen blamed the left for stoking violence, while Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu called the protests “dangerous and cynical.”
The scene looks a mix of fire and fear, but the root cause remains – students demanding better schools and families struggling with the high cost of life.
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