France erupts in protests: 800,000 march, 1,200 arrested, 150 police hurt

France experienced a night of violent protests on Saturday, with up to 800,000 demonstrators, over 1,200 arrests, and hundreds of injuries, including 150 police officers. The nationwide demonstrations against President Macron's government, triggered by the cost-of-living crisis and education cuts, resulted in widespread rioting, looting, and arson across Paris and other major cities. Protesters clashed with police, who used tear gas and water cannons. A 17-year-old lost his hand in Saint-Étienne when a stun grenade exploded nearby. Looters targeted dozens of shops, and town halls in Limoges, Marseille, and Lille were attacked or vandalized. The protests united student groups and the "Yellow Vests" movement, with demonstrators chanting "Macron, resign." Macron vowed to prosecute those responsible for the violence. Political rivals, including far-right candidate Marine Le Pen and far-left figure Jean-Luc Mélenchon, used the chaos to attack each other. The unrest drew parallels to the French Revolution, with some protesters referencing the storming of the Bastille.