France Protests: Clashes in Paris and Marseille, Nearly 1,000 Arrested

Hundreds of thousands protested across France on Saturday against living costs and economic policies, with clashes erupting in Paris and Marseille and nearly 1,000 arrests reported nationwide. The Interior Ministry estimated turnout at 410,000, though unions claimed double that figure. Police deployed tear gas and water cannon, while 70,000 officers were mobilized, 10,000 more than the previous weekend's unrest on October 17. The movement began with student protests over school conditions and has expanded into broader anti-government demonstrations. Hard-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon called for weekly protests until President Emmanuel Macron addresses the grievances, with similar unrest also reported in Brussels, Italy and Albania.