French Cities See Clashes as Cost-of-Living Protests Spread

Police fired tear gas and clashed with protesters in several French cities on Saturday during nationwide demonstrations over living costs and public services, with authorities recording 140 protests involving 32,800 people outside Paris by midday. The protests began last month at high schools in Paris' poor northern suburbs over teacher shortages and facilities, evolving into a broader movement against inequality and public spending. Violent incidents included vandalism in Marseille and attacks targeting police, media and public buildings. Protesters in high-visibility vests echoed the Yellow Vest movement, while police tactics drew criticism after injuries including a teenager who lost a hand. France's borrowing costs have reached their highest levels in over two decades amid economic pressure.