France protests over school conditions and cost of living turn violent, 1,200 arrested

An estimated 550,000 people took to the streets across France in demonstrations over conditions in secondary schools and the rising cost of living, with protests escalating into violence, arson and looting, according to reports.

The demonstrations began with students protesting staff shortages and dilapidated school facilities before drawing support from trade union members and participants in the gilets jaunes ("yellow vest") movement, says BBC.

A group of young demonstrators in Paris told reporters they were "pacifists" who are "just trying to make things change, but nothing is moving".

At least 1,200 people were arrested and 150 police officers were injured nationwide, according to reports.

In Paris, riot police used tear gas, water cannon and batons as groups set vehicles on fire around the Place de la République, ransacked shops and torched a restaurant.

In Limoges, a fire at the town hall caused part of its roof and historic spire to collapse. In Lyon, individuals prevented firefighters from safely tackling a blaze at the city's tourist office.

Mayor Grégory Doucet described the destruction in Lyon as "a tragedy", saying "it breaks our hearts because it's a very iconic, well-known historic building".

Other incidents included raids on clothes and food shops in Paris, a break-in at an Apple store in Lille and a tourist train in Grenoble being driven towards police by masked men.

In Saint-Étienne, Mayor Régis Juanico reported that a young man "had his hand blown off by a grenade", adding that "such a tragedy should never have happened".

The French Interior Ministry described the incidents as "targeted acts of violence" by "hooded individuals" operating across multiple cities.

Political tensions ahead of presidential election

The unrest comes as France prepares for next year's presidential election, prompting criticism and competing interpretations of the protests among political leaders.

President Emmanuel Macron condemned the destruction, saying: "Those who have broken, attacked the prefectures as well as businesses, looted even our town halls, will be prosecuted and punished".

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said police had faced "violence of extreme intensity". He accused some groups of using the demonstrations as a "warm-up" for the upcoming elections, adding that "no one will impose their political agenda through violence".

National Rally leader Marine Le Pen said protesters' "legitimate demands" had been "held hostage by the far left".

Hard-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon accused police of "unleashing" on demonstrators while also condemning looting and arson.

The government has sought to address some of the concerns behind the protests. Education Minister Édouard Geffray has promised 3,000 additional supply teachers, but the demonstrations have continued to spread and intensify.