French police arrest 2,000 as protests turn violent across France
French police arrested more than 2,000 people across over 100 locations as weekend protests turned violent, causing building damage, fires, and vandalism. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported over 600 government authorities injured. Nuñez said several hundred businesses suffered damage or looting in cities including Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and Bordeaux. The 140-year-old town hall in Limoges collapsed after being set afire. Retail federation president Alexandre Bompard estimated damage to shops at several hundred million euros. Protest attendance estimates ranged from 550,000 per police to 800,000 per organizers. The protests began a month ago over teacher shortages, crowded classrooms, and funding issues, spreading to Belgium, Albania, Greece, and Italy. President Emmanuel Macron promised prosecution for perpetrators and was scheduled to address the nation.