French protests over education and living costs turn violent in Lyon and Paris

Protests across France over education funding and the cost of living turned violent on Saturday, with the tourist office in Lyon set ablaze and police deploying tear gas in Paris. The unrest comes as the country approaches a presidential election. In Paris, police used a water cannon and tear gas against hundreds of masked protesters, some setting off fireworks. Windows were broken at broadcaster CNews and Europe 1 offices, while in Marseille demonstrators forced entry into the mayor's office. More than 32,000 people joined 140 actions nationwide, with over 160 detained. The protests add pressure on President Emmanuel Macron's government, following weeks of student demonstrations and echoing the 2018 Yellow Vest movement. Fuel prices have soared since the US-Iran war began, and public debt is projected to exceed 120 per cent of GDP next year.