France cleans up after fuel-price protests turn to riots and looting

France is cleaning up widespread damage after nationwide protests over fuel prices and living costs turned violent, with riots and looting leaving burnt cars and shattered storefronts across Paris and other cities. About 1,800 people were arrested as 550,000 demonstrators took to the streets on Saturday. Police used tear gas and water cannon in clashes, while rioters set fires and looted shops in Paris, Marseille, and Lille, including a gutted restaurant and a torched McDonald's. More than 500 officers and firefighters were injured, and around 1,500 retailers were damaged, with designer stores like Gucci and Versace hit. Shopkeepers began cleaning up Sunday, with some blaming opportunistic looters rather than genuine protesters, as CCTV showed masked teens stealing from stores. Graffiti reading "tax the rich" appeared, and the unrest highlighted broader grievances over public services and school conditions.