Around 550,000 protest across France as unrest leads to at least 1,200 arrests
About 550,000 people joined protests across France on Saturday over education funding and the cost of living. The demonstrations turned violent, and police detained at least 1,200 people.
Roughly 550,000 people took part in protests across France on Saturday, calling for greater investment in education and action on the rising cost of living. The demonstrations quickly turned violent, with disorder spreading across the country.
Violence and arrests
Cars and buildings were set on fire and shops were ransacked during the unrest. Riot police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds. At least 1,200 people were arrested on Saturday.
Background
The disorder follows several weeks of student-led protests. Demonstrators have joined forces to voice growing anger over economic conditions and over the way French President Emmanuel Macron has handled the crisis.
In a social media post, Macron condemned the violence and said vandals and looters would be "prosecuted and punished".
BBC correspondent Adina Campbell reported on the events from Paris.
