LECORNU: 1,200 PROTESTERS ARRESTED FOR VIOLENCE, 150 POLICE OFFICERS INJURED

PARIS, OCTOBER 18 /SRNA/ - French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed that 1,200 protesters had been arrested amid unrest across France and said that an unacceptable level of violence had occurred during the protests.

During a tour of the streets of Paris, Lecornu, accompanied by a heavy police presence, said that "justice will be served," the BFMTV news portal reported.

Lecornu also said that 150 police officers and gendarmes had been injured in the unrest across the country.

"It is a miracle that the toll is not even higher," the French prime minister said, adding that the time had come to choose sides.

"Either you are in the camp of the Republic and, therefore, on the side of the forces of law and order, those who protect property and people and enforce the law, or you are on the side of the rioters," Lecornu said.

Violence erupted across France yesterday during the latest wave of demonstrations against poor conditions in schools and the high cost of living.

The French government said that the violence had escalated, estimating that around 550,000 people had taken to the streets of French cities.

By evening, violent clashes had broken out in Paris between demonstrators and riot police, who used tear gas and water cannons against the crowds.

Buildings were set on fire in Paris and other French cities, including Limoges, where a major fire at the city hall led to the partial collapse of the building's roof.

Looting was also reported in several cities, along with widespread vandalism targeting municipal buildings and public utilities, Tanjug reported.