France protests over cost of living turn violent with looting and clashes

Hundreds of thousands protested in France on Saturday against the high cost of living, six months before the presidential election, in a day marked by clashes, attacks on public buildings, and looting of shops. Organizers claimed 800,000 participants, while Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez cited 550,000 and reported about 400 arrests. In Paris, Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire said entire streets were "methodically ravaged," with an "immense" toll of violence and looting. Fires broke out at public buildings in Limoges, Grenoble, and Lyon, and a prefect's residence was ransacked in Bordeaux. President Emmanuel Macron said there is "no place for violence," vowing to stand against "sowers of chaos." The protest united "yellow vests," students, workers, and climate activists, with some chants referencing the French Revolution. In 2018-2019, the yellow vest movement began over fuel taxes and also saw violent protests.