Protests in France over education and the cost of living spiraled into a wave of nationwide violence last weekend.
Police fired tear gas into crowds and fought running battles with black-clad, hooded rioters who set fires and broke into thousands of shops and government buildings.
More than 2,000 people were arrested, with at least two deaths and reports of serious injuries.
The vast majority of protesters have been peaceful, authorities and political leaders stress – but the level of fighting and destruction has shaken the nation and prompted forceful condemnations from leaders and the public alike.
France’s main student union, UNEF, has called for further protests on Saturday and said they won’t give up until their demands are met. The CGT, one of France’s biggest trade unions, has said it will join, calling for peaceful protests.
Here are some of the stories that made headlines over the past week, as well as some photos that caught our eye.
