France arrests 1,200 as cost-of-living protests turn to looting and arson

French police arrested at least 1,200 people on Saturday, according to BBC News Hindi. About 550,000 people joined protests across the country against poor school conditions and rising prices. A movement that began with students has drawn in workers and unions.

The demonstrations turned violent in several cities. In Paris, masked groups smashed shop windows and carried off goods, and the South China Morning Post reported that they met no resistance from the authorities. Officials called the violence "unacceptable." In central France, rioters set fire to the 143-year-old Limoges town hall.

The protests are unfolding alongside a contested budget. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu's 2027 plan proposes spending cuts to bring the deficit down to 5% of gross domestic product next year. Il Sole 24 Ore reported that the yield on France's 10-year government bond was approaching 5% on the eve of the budget. Opposition is coming from outside the street protests too. More than 170 French filmmakers signed an open letter warning that the draft budget threatens the survival of national cinema.

Outlets reported the same events with different emphasis. Russian business channels presented the scenes as near-revolution. One Telegram channel captioned its footage "This is a revolution". Western and Asian wire coverage described a protest movement with violent fringes.