France protests escalate with 135 arrests as Paris museums close

Protests in France over rising living costs and education funding cuts have intensified, leading to 135 arrests and the seizure of weapons. Authorities have deployed 70,000 police officers nationwide, with major Paris museums like the Louvre closed as a precaution. The protests follow last week's violence that damaged or looted approximately 3,000 shops. Police have used tear gas in Lyon against demonstrators defying orders, and rerouted planned Paris protests to the city's southeastern edge. Protesters demand 250,000 additional university seats, 200-euro monthly student grants, and higher wages and pensions. President Emmanuel Macron's popularity is at an all-time low, fueling the unrest. Similar cost-of-living protests are emerging in other European countries, including Italy, Spain, and Albania.