600,000 Protest Across France Against Cost of Living

Around 600,000 people protested across France on Thursday against the cost of living, according to the Interior Ministry, with clashes erupting between police and demonstrators in several cities. Police used tear gas in Lyon and clashed with protesters in Nantes, while authorities in Rennes arrested dozens of masked individuals for vandalism. The protests were largely peaceful, though some violent incidents occurred, and major unions have called for a national strike. Unions are demanding higher wages and pensions, including a 10% minimum wage increase, while student groups seek more education funding. The Yellow Vests movement is calling for President Emmanuel Macron's resignation, and approximately 13% of school staff participated in the strike.