France's protest tradition faces its biggest test in years

France is experiencing widespread protests with thousands participating over living costs and police tactics, resulting in violent clashes, looting, and at least 2,400 arrests. The unrest has raised concerns about rioting and prompted nightly curfews in some cities. The protests stem from France's historical protest culture, rooted in the 1789 French Revolution, where demonstration is seen as a civic duty. Recent triggers include fuel taxes, inequality, and police violence, with critics accusing authorities of unnecessarily harsh responses using rubber bullets and stun grenades. Outgoing President Emmanuel Macron condemned the destruction, while political scientists note recurring riot waves since the 1990s, often sparked by police incidents. The upheaval occurs before US midterm elections, with some Republicans blaming Muslim migrants, though authorities have not linked them to the rioting.