PARIS : France witnessed widespread protests on Saturday as anger over rising living costs, declining purchasing power and deteriorating public services spilled onto the streets. The movement also drew support from students protesting overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages and poorly maintained school buildings. While hundreds of thousands marched peacefully, violence erupted in several cities.
Protesters clashed with police, looted shops and set vehicles, public buildings and other properties on fire. In Limoges, the city hall was reportedly torched, while buildings in Lyon and other cities were targeted. More than 1,200 people were arrested and around 150 police personnel injured, according to authorities.
The unrest has intensified pressure on President Emmanuel Macron’s government over its handling of the cost-of-living crisis and public services.