France's protests over inequality and living costs turn violent in Paris, Marseille, and Lyon

Protests against rising living costs and declining public services in France escalated into the worst rioting in decades on Saturday, with violent fringe groups attacking public buildings and looting stores across multiple cities. Hundreds of thousands marched peacefully, but rioters set Limoges city hall ablaze, broke into Marseille City Hall, and torched Lyon's tourist office. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu blamed the violence on the "far-left" and criminals, while Interior Minister Laurent Nunez reported about 400 arrests. The unrest began last month at high schools in Paris' poor northern suburbs over teacher shortages and facilities, expanding into a broader movement on inequality and living standards. President Emmanuel Macron vowed to prosecute attackers, with demonstrations occurring months before next year's presidential election.