KATHMANDU: Police arrested 1,314 people on Friday and Saturday over demonstrations across France, France’s interior ministry said Sunday.

As many as 53 police officers were reportedly injured in the clashes. Dozens of people were arrested on Saturday after violence erupted during large demonstrations in major French cities against the high cost of living.

This is the second consecutive unrest in France over the weekend. The violence, which erupted at a time when the country is due to hold presidential elections in April and May, is expected to affect France’s upcoming leadership election.

The election, which will take place after the end of President Emmanuel Macron’s two terms, will determine his successor. According to the Interior Ministry, police controlled 75 arsonists and looted 24 shops during Saturday’s demonstrations.

The ministry said in a statement that some investigations have been launched. No details were given about the investigation. Although the cities were said to be “peaceful” on Saturday night after the clashes subsided, the protesters said they would announce more events and move on.

Sunday’s ministry statement did not say how many protesters were injured. On Saturday night, Interior Minister Lorraine Nunez said two people were seriously injured, one in Toulouse and another in Clermont-Ferrand.

The Toulouse prefecture administration of the interior ministry told AFP that a 20-year-old man had suffered serious injuries to his hand.

A street doctor who treats protesters told AFP on condition of anonymity: “The young man has lost his right hand after being shot in some fingers.” The prefecture of the Clermont-Ferrand region said one person had suffered a hand injury, but no finger was lost.

The French regional daily La Nouvelle République reported that a man in Poitières was injured in his left eye. It also published a photo of a man covering his face with his hands.