Rabat – France has witnessed one of its largest protests yet, bringing together hundreds of thousands of demonstrators, including students, teachers, unions, and “yellow vests.”
The protests that took place in Paris and beyond were marred by violence, with vandalism, looting, and buildings set ablaze.
France’s government described the situation as an “escalation in violence,” with reports stating that at least 1,200 people were arrested.
Videos and photos showed looting incidents, with frustrated shop owners pleading for help and asking protesters to stop.
One video shows a shop owner expressing her frustration and begging those involved to stop.
Despite her appeals, people covering their faces appeared to be entering the shop, while other shops belonging to well-known brands were also seen being robbed and vandalized.
One video shows young people carrying several bags in their hands, while boxes of products from well-known brands were thrown into the street.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said 150 police officers were injured in the unrest, with estimates suggesting that more than 500,000 people took part in Saturday’s protests.
In cities across France, hundreds of thousands of people took part in protests, including students protesting staff shortages in the country’s secondary schools.
The protests also included the Yellow Vests movement, whose supporters wore yellow vests, or gilets jaunes, and which has been demonstrating against rising living costs since 2018.
On Saturday, the Interior Ministry warned of the situation, stating that the protests involved targeted acts of violence by “hooded individuals” in several places, including Marseille, Rennes, Toulouse, and Angers.
Ahead of the planned protests, French President Emmanuel Macron urged protesters to remain calm.
“There is a constitutional right to protest and to express oneself. But this right comes with the need to respect. Respect for people, respect for property, and therefore a commitment not to insult or destroy,” he said.
