Le Pen launches presidential campaign amid unrest in France

Marine Le Pen, leader of France's far-right National Rally, launched her presidential campaign in Orléans, speaking to about 10,000 supporters, France 24 reported.

Her campaign launch came a day after nationwide protests against the rising cost of living escalated into violence, with looting and building fires reported.

Le Pen vowed to restore law and order if elected, positioning herself as a frontrunner benefiting from the unrest, according to France 24.

More than 400,000 people marched in major French cities protesting the cost of living, with clashes breaking out after some masked groups diverged from peaceful demonstrations.

Police arrested over 1,300 people, and the Interior Minister attributed much of the violence to 'ultra-left' extremists, France 24 noted.

The protests follow weeks of social unrest including student demonstrations over the state of education, contributing to the tense environment in which Le Pen is campaigning.