Nigeria, Oct. 19 -- The protests in France grew violent over the weekend with clashes between demonstrators and the police, widespread looting, fires and attacks on public buildings in several cities, including Paris, Marseille, Lyon and Limoges.

The demonstrations, which began as a protest against deteriorating conditions in high school classrooms, have drawn hundreds of thousands of people nationwide.

The demonstrations also reflected anger at the cost-of-living crisis, low wages, and frustration with the government.

Between Saturday and Sunday, police fired tear gas into crowds. They fought running battles with rioters who set fires and broke into shops and government buildings, with images showing historic buildings ablaze.

Nearly...