France Protests Erupt Into Riots

Masked groups clashed with police and looted shops as nationwide student-led protests drew vast crowds, with authorities counting about 550,000 demonstrators and organizers about 800,000. Most marches were peaceful, but fires and attacks on public buildings spread through Paris and other cities. The movement began in mid-September with students demanding more teachers, safer schools and better conditions. It has widened into anger over living costs, wages, pensions, inequality and public services. The government blamed radical far-left groups and criminals, while France UnbowedLa France insoumiseFrench left-wing political party leader Jean-Luc MélenchonJean-Luc MélenchonFrench left-wing populist politician (born 1951) blamed the government for failing to keep order. Authorities reported more than 2,000 arrests. President Emmanuel Macron said prefects could ban demonstrations where needed.