French protests over school funding and living costs draw 410,000, nearly 1,000 arrested

More than 410,000 people protested across France on Saturday against inadequate school funding and rising living costs, with clashes erupting between demonstrators and police and nearly 1,000 arrests made, intensifying pressure on President Emmanuel Macron's government. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported around 110,000 protesters in Paris alone and blamed "ultra-left" extremists for the violence, while authorities deployed 70,000 security personnel nationwide. Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds, and the government has imposed limited curfews in some urban districts. The demonstrations follow widespread unrest in French cities a week earlier and pose a significant challenge to Macron ahead of the May 2027 presidential election. Student and labour unions have vowed to continue mobilizing until the government withdraws proposed budget measures and boosts funding for public services.