France arrests over 1,800 in protests as Paris, Marseille, and Bordeaux see unrest
More than 1,800 people were arrested in France during violent protests Saturday that left widespread destruction, including a torched town hall and looting, intensifying pressure on President Emmanuel Macron ahead of elections in six months. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said investigations are underway to bring perpetrators to justice, with Paris seeing a record 855 arrests and over 500 people in custody. Around 500 police and emergency workers were injured, and cities including Marseille, Bordeaux, and Nice suffered shop pillaging. The protests, sparked by high inflation and cost-of-living concerns, drew 550,000 attendees, according to officials. Political blame flew, with Macron's government and far-right leader Marine Le Pen citing "ultra-left" groups, while U.S. Vice President JD Vance linked the unrest to immigration.