France protests: 400 arrested as buildings burned and shops looted in Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, and Limoges

Violent protests erupted across France on Saturday over rising living costs and poor school conditions, with about 400 people arrested nationwide as public buildings were set ablaze and shops looted in multiple cities. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez reported 110 marches drew roughly 550,000 people, while organizers claimed 800,000, and President Emmanuel Macron vowed prosecution for vandalism. Clashes in Paris involved tear gas and water cannons against masked groups throwing fireworks, with fires, looted shops, and a burned newspaper kiosk reported, while similar violence hit Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, and Limoges, where City Hall burned. The demonstrations, partly reviving the yellow vest movement, were fueled by anger over gasoline, energy, and food price spikes, with student groups and the CGT union backing the protests. Authorities opened an investigation after a young protester lost a hand in Saint-Etienne, amid scrutiny of police riot-control weapons, including a stun grenade suspension that doesn't apply to Saturday's events. The unrest follows weeks of school blockades and arrests, influencing the presidential election campaign.