140,000 rally across France as protests over living costs intensify

More than 140,000 people protested across France on Saturday against rising living costs, with clashes in Paris and Lyon where police fired tear gas. The demonstrations marked the fourth consecutive weekend of unrest. The Interior Ministry reported 146,000 protesters nationwide, including 46,000 in Paris, while unions claimed 250,000 total. About 70,000 security personnel were deployed, and Interior Minister Laurent Nunez warned authorities were "ready and waiting" for rioters. Police charged protesters in Paris after a group attacked officers, and tear gas was used in Lyon to disperse an unauthorized road blockade. The protests began in September over high school conditions and expanded to broader economic grievances, led by students with support from workers. They occur ahead of April's presidential election, with far-right candidate Marine Le Pen leading polls and far-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon unveiling his economic programme on Saturday.