Demonstrations initially focused on education budget cuts and poor school conditions.
\n\nFrance continues to be hit by violent protests over the rising cost of living and education budget cuts on Saturday, with police arresting 1,200 demonstrators and 150 personnel injured in clashes. Paris witnessed a record 855 detentions on the weekend, while a massive fire at the 143-year-old Limoges town hall was brought under control, France24 reported.
\n\nDeputy Mayor of Paris, Lamia El Aaraje, said that the capital was hit by "a level of violence that I believe we had never seen before".
\n\nEarlier, French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez told France 24 that 5,50,000 people took part in the protests against dwindling purchasing power, with 1,10,000 demonstrators in the capital. Police have arrested 400 protesters over vandalism charges, he said.
\n\nThe looting added to a day of destruction and vandalism, with town halls in several cities targeted. The one in the city of Limoges — more than 140 years old — was largely destroyed by a blaze set by masked protesters who broke in, according to the region's top official.
\n\nTwo others were broken into and vandalised in Marseille and Lille.
\n\nCiting a local media channel, France24 reported the massive…
Original source: https://www.timesnownews.com/world
