French protests over schools and costs turn violent; 1,200 arrested

More than 1,200 people were arrested in France on Saturday after demonstrations over school conditions escalated into clashes with police, as anger over rising living costs and inequality fueled nationwide protests. The protests, initially driven by concerns over teacher shortages and dilapidated school buildings, drew support from groups frustrated with high prices and the weakening social welfare system. In Paris and Marseille, rioters looted shops, set fires, and clashed with police, who fired teargas. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez condemned the violence, attributing it to "opportunistic delinquents" and ruling out a state of emergency. The unrest follows calls to revive the yellow vests movement, with far-left and far-right parties seeking to capitalize on the situation.