Violent protests and rioting spread across France as authorities tighten security

Violent clashes, fires and looting spread across France over the weekend as nationwide protests over rising living costs and poor conditions in schools escalated into the country’s most severe unrest in years. Authorities said the violence overshadowed otherwise peaceful marches that drew hundreds of thousands of people to the streets.

The unrest has affected major cities including Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Lille and Limoges, where public buildings, shops and other businesses were damaged. In Paris, police said they imposed overnight restrictions in two areas of the capital on Monday to prevent further disorder, while local authorities in northern France also introduced curfews for minors in some cities.

The protests began with high school students demanding more resources for underfunded schools and later broadened to include labor unions and other activists. Organizers and police offered sharply different estimates of turnout, but both described a large national mobilization that spread well beyond the capital. Officials said some demonstrations remained peaceful even as masked groups and looters sparked confrontations elsewhere.

Officials blame radicals as damage mounts

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said about 400 people were arrested on Saturday, while later official counts put the total at roughly 2,400 arrests over the weekend. He described some of those involved in the violence as “extremely violent” far-left groups, and said they had targeted public buildings, police and businesses. President Emmanuel Macron echoed that view on Sunday, condemning what he called “unrestrained violence” and saying those responsible for the damage would be held accountable.

In Limoges, flames engulfed the city hall, while in other cities police reported arson, vandalism and attempted break-ins. The unrest also drew international attention after protesters and police clashed in multiple locations, and after student and labor groups said they would continue mobilizing in the days ahead. Authorities have warned that more demonstrations could follow as the government faces pressure to respond to public anger over school conditions, wages and the cost of living.