1,314 PROTESTERS ARRESTED IN FRANCE OVER UNREST

French authorities have reported 1,314 arrests following Saturday’s nationwide demonstrations over rising living costs and pressure on public services.

The Interior Ministry released the figure on Sunday, saying 53 police officers were injured as violence broke out on the margins of marches in several cities.

Although demonstrations remained peaceful for much of the day, confrontations later occurred in Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux, Toulouse and Tours. Police used tear gas during some clashes.

Authorities said emergency crews responded to 75 fires and that 24 shops were looted.

Around 70,000 police officers and gendarmes had been deployed across France following extensive damage during the previous weekend’s unrest.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said the marches generally proceeded smoothly but acknowledged numerous violent incidents.

He also reported two serious injuries among demonstrators, in Toulouse and Clermont-Ferrand. The ministry did not provide a nationwide total for injured protesters.

In Paris, police said reinforced security helped limit damage to businesses compared with the previous weekend.

Several investigations have been opened into the incidents. Authorities said conditions became calm later on Saturday night after the clashes subsided.