France deploys 70,000 police as fresh protests continue after riots

France remains on edge after a wave of protests over the cost of living, public services and school conditions turned into some of the worst unrest in years.

The interior ministry said nearly 2,400 people had been arrested after the weekend's nationwide day of action, and nearly 1,000 police officers and firefighters were injured. On Monday, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu chaired a crisis meeting, and the government announced new powers for mayors to impose local curfews. Marseille banned public gatherings between midday and 8pm. About 70,000 police were deployed, metro stations in Paris were closed and shops were boarded up as fresh protests took place.

The unrest began in September with high school students in poorer northern Paris suburbs protesting teacher absences, overcrowded classes and poor facilities. By the weekend it had broadened into a cross-generational movement. Students, trade unionists, left-wing activists and supporters of the yellow vest movement joined rallies against rising prices, fuel costs and the erosion of public services. More than half a million people took part across France, according to the interior ministry, though unions put the figure higher.

Most demonstrations were peaceful, but in Paris there were running battles around Place de la Republique. Police fired tear gas and water cannon; protesters threw fireworks, bottles and paving stones. Cars, kiosks and shops were set alight or looted. In Lyon, the city's tourism office was set on fire. In Marseille, protesters stormed the town hall. In Limoges, the 19th-century town hall was badly damaged by fire and its clock tower collapsed. Similar clashes and damage were reported in Lille, Nantes, Strasbourg, Bordeaux, Grenoble, Toulouse, Montpellier, Rennes and Rouen.

President Emmanuel Macron initially called for calm and respect for people and property. After the violence he addressed the nation, saying France felt anger and shame, and that rioters from far-left fringe groups had joined criminals in unbridled violence. He promised that those who destroyed property or looted would be prosecuted and punished, while insisting that peaceful protesters' legitimate concerns would be heard. The prime minister blamed a highly organised extreme-left network. The interior minister said public buildings had been deliberately targeted. Jean-Luc Melenchon condemned the looting and arson but accused police of heavy-handed tactics. Marine Le Pen said legitimate social concerns had been hijacked by the hard left and blamed immigration, promising to restore order.

Political tensions are running high six months before the presidential election. Macron is nearing the end of his second term and cannot run again. Marine Le Pen is leading in the polls, and the unrest has exposed deep divisions over public debt, spending and taxation. The government is trying to respond with measures on fuel prices, teacher recruitment and school schedules, but it says its budget is tight. Macron was also on a short trip to Kuwait and was expected to address high fuel prices.

Protests have spread elsewhere in Europe. Albania's capital, Tirana, saw a fifth day of student-led clashes over education, living costs and alleged corruption, with calls for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign. There were also demonstrations in Italy, Belgium, Spain, Portugal and Greece.

In France, the latest day of action was calmer than the weekend violence but still large. Police used tear gas in Lyon. Officials said 135 people had been arrested by the afternoon. Protests were moved from Place de la Bastille to the southern ring road in Paris. In Orleans, 10,000 people rallied against the far-right National Rally as it held its annual congress. The authorities are bracing for further protests in the weeks ahead.