France opens attempted murder probe over petrol bomb attacks on police

· Politics · France

French officials opened an attempted murder investigation after petrol bombs were thrown at riot police during a third weekend of protests over living costs and education. More than 320,000 people took to the streets across France, most demonstrations were peaceful, but clashes erupted in Paris and other cities, with authorities reporting more than 770 arrests nationwide. Student unions said high school blockades would restart on Monday, despite President Emmanuel Macron's call for classes to resume after the government announced new measures that student groups deemed insufficient. The unrest has inspired youth-led rallies elsewhere in Europe.

Why it matters：The probe signals how youth-led cost-of-living unrest is escalating into a security and political test for European governments.

Key points

  • More than 320,000 protesters nationwide, over 770 arrests
  • Student unions plan to restart school blockades on Monday
  • Petrol bombs targeted riot police in Paris

Sources (original reporting)

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