Over 1,300 arrested as French protests over education and living costs intensify

Protests over education funding and the rising cost of living swept across France over the weekend, drawing hundreds of thousands of demonstrators.

The largest gathering occurred on the southeastern fringes of Paris, drawing at least 1,10,000 participants.

Police deployed roughly 70,000 officers nationwide as Interior Minister Laurent Nunez warned, "We will not tolerate any violence or any disturbance of public order."

Hours after the warning, police fired tear gas at protesters in Paris.

Authorities reported 855 arrests in Paris alone and a total of 1,200 arrests nationwide, while other reports indicated more than 1,300 arrests across France.

Clashes included slogans, tear‑gas canisters and fireworks, and a historic town hall in Paris was set ablaze during the unrest.

The demonstrations originated over poor school conditions and expanded to broader grievances about living costs, housing and corruption.