Lecornu reports 1,200 arrests after October 17 unrest in France

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu reported 1,200 arrests and 150 injured police personnel following unrest across France on October 17.

He said the figures were still being updated. Demonstrations in Paris, Lyon, Marseille and other cities were accompanied by clashes with police, looting and fires.

Protesters opposed rising living costs and the government's social policies. The Interior Ministry estimated attendance at about 550,000, while unions put it at 800,000.

The demonstrations followed a wave of school protests that began in September at the Saint-Exupery lycee in Creteil outside Paris. Pupils demanded action on shortages of teachers, medical and social staff, and better learning conditions.