Protests over rising living costs, deteriorating public services and poor school conditions have escalated into violent unrest across France, leaving hundreds arrested and buildings damaged as President Emmanuel Macron faces mounting pressure to restore calm.

The Independent reported that demonstrations which began among students in September spread nationwide on Saturday, drawing workers, trade union members and other protesters frustrated by rising prices, stagnant incomes and concerns over the country’s social welfare system.

The unrest was reported in several cities, including Paris, Marseille, Rennes, Toulouse, Angers and Lyon. In Paris, police deployed tear gas and water cannons against protesters, while some demonstrators threw stones and fireworks. In Marseille, protesters stormed the town hall, while a tourism office in Lyon was set ablaze.

Macron convened an emergency meeting with senior government officials on Sunday and called for calm, condemning the violence and warning that those responsible for destruction and looting would face consequences. The presidency also confirmed that Interior Minister Laurent Nunez would remain in office after offering to resign, with Macron directing him to develop new measures to tackle looting and maintain security operations.

The demonstrations initially emerged from complaints by high school students about inadequate staffing, deteriorating facilities and difficult learning conditions, particularly in disadvantaged communities. The movement subsequently attracted wider support, with the General Confederation of Labour backing demands for lower prices, higher wages and improved pensions. Reports of injuries during police operations have also intensified criticism of the authorities’ handling of the protests.

The unrest has raised concerns about possible spillover into other European countries, following reports of school closures and arrests in Belgium and violent clashes during demonstrations in Italy. In Milan, protesters reportedly clashed with police, looted shops and set fires after a march against wars and rising living costs turned violent.