France Protests Over Living Costs Lead to 1,200 Arrests

France experienced some of its worst unrest in years on Saturday during protests against rising living costs, with 1,200 arrests and 150 police officers injured, prompting an emergency government meeting and promises of a tough response. Around 550,000 people participated nationwide, according to officials, with organizers claiming 800,000. Violence included burning buildings, damaged town halls, and looting in multiple cities, with Paris suffering "immense" damage from what authorities called a highly organized far-left group. President Emmanuel Macron condemned the riots and vowed rigorous prosecution, while the government said it would not be intimidated ahead of next year's presidential election. Protests also occurred in Belgium, Portugal, Italy, and Albania.