France sees nearly 800 protests as police clash with demonstrators

France faced widespread unrest Saturday as hundreds of thousands of protesters, driven by left-wing movements, clashed with police in nearly 800 demonstrations aimed at ousting President Emmanuel Macron ahead of upcoming elections. Government estimates put turnout at 410,000, while unions claimed 800,000, with clashes in Paris injuring two as police used tear gas and water cannons. Nearly 1,000 arrests were made, and authorities seized weapons including AK-47 rifles, with 70,000 officers deployed to prevent a repeat of last weekend's violence. The protests stem from rising living costs and grievances over unemployment, with more demonstrations planned for Oct. 31. Far-left candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon blamed the government for the chaos, warning Macron that weekly protests will continue as he faces a challenge from Marine Le Pen in spring elections.