France reports 1,800 arrests and 500 injured police in Saturday protests
French authorities reported 1,800 arrests and over 500 injured police officers during Saturday's nationwide protests against public education conditions, the high cost of living, and recent police violence. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez condemned the violence and blamed far-right individuals and criminals for the unrest. Nuñez stated that protests are a fundamental right but violent disorder is not, announcing investigations starting Sunday to identify and prosecute perpetrators. President Emmanuel Macron warned that those responsible for disturbances will be pursued and punished, while Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin ordered prosecutors to seek provisional detention for attackers of police or public buildings. An estimated 550,000 people participated in the demonstrations across France, according to authorities, though the CGT union put the figure at over 800,000. Nuñez thanked police, gendarmes, and firefighters who intervened under extreme conditions in cities including Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and Bordeaux.