France's Protests Turn Violent: Over 1,200 Arrested in Riots and Looting

France has been hit by widespread protests that escalated into riots, looting, and arson, with over 1,200 people arrested. The government has described the unrest as a surge in violence, marking some of the worst civil disorder in decades. The protests were sparked by rising living costs and deteriorating public services. While hundreds of thousands marched peacefully, small groups of violent individuals targeted government buildings, looted luxury stores and supermarkets, and attacked police. In Limoges, the city hall was set on fire, and in Marseille, protesters forcibly entered and vandalized the city hall. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu reported 150 police officers injured and blamed "far-left" elements and criminals for the violence, which comes months before the presidential election. President Emmanuel Macron vowed to punish those involved in the rioting. Similar but smaller protests over living costs also occurred in Belgium, Portugal, and Italy.