fǎ guó法国duō dì多地kàng yì抗议huó dòng活动chū xiàn出现bào lì暴力
Large protests were held in many parts of France. People were mainly unhappy about rising living costs and poor school conditions.
Officials said that about 550,000 people took part in the marches, while organizers believed the number was higher.
Most people expressed their views peacefully, but the situation became serious in the evening.
Some masked people clashed with police, took things from shops, and set public buildings on fire.
A city hall in central France that was more than 100 years old was also badly damaged by a large fire.
At least 2,400 people have been arrested across the country.
Protesters appeared again at Place de la République in Paris, and police used tear gas.
The windows of some nearby shops were smashed, and the streets were covered with stones and rubbish.
Many Paris residents felt afraid and sad.
French President Macron said that people have the right to protest, but looting, arson, and attacks on police cannot be accepted.
He asked local governments to protect public buildings and shops.
Some people support the protests but believe that violence has harmed the movement.
French police believe that some of the violence came from radical groups and people who used the situation as a chance to loot.