France braces for mass protests as students, farmers, and yellow vests unite

France faces nationwide protests today as students, farmers, taxi drivers, and returning "yellow vest" activists unite over rising living costs and government policy, with nearly 1,800 actions registered. The protests mark the fourth week of student demonstrations, amplified by over 460,000 social media posts about October 17. Groups cite high fuel prices and falling purchasing power as shared grievances, prompting the government to plan a crisis meeting. Interior Minister Nuñez has not ruled out using flash grenades, reversing a recent ban after a student lost a hand. The government struggles financially, facing billions in required budget cuts that may fuel further unrest.