France protests turn violent as 400 arrested and buildings set ablaze

Protests across France over education standards and the rising cost of living turned violent on Saturday, with fires, looting and clashes with police. The scale of the disorder comes as the country faces political uncertainty ahead of next year’s presidential election.

An estimated 550,000 people took part and at least 400 were arrested, while 60 law enforcement officers were injured. Fires damaged buildings including Lyon’s tourist office and Limoges town hall, where part of the roof collapsed; shops were also looted in several cities. The protests drew students, trade union members and yellow vest demonstrators, amid concerns about staff shortages and run-down secondary schools.