Paris left reeling as student-led protests turn chaotic

France is assessing the damage after Saturday’s demonstrations drew 550,000 people nationwide, according to authorities, and as many as 800,000 according to unions and organisers. In Paris, residents saw smashed windows, burned buildings and looted shops, while Rabah and Claire voiced anger and sadness over the destruction. The protests began in mid-September over overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages, inequality and limited opportunities, then spread across the country. Most demonstrators rallied peacefully, but violence and the use of tear gas and stun grenades in Paris threatened to overshadow their demands.