French police arrest 1,314 in weekend protests over cost of living

French police arrested 1,314 people during weekend protests across the country, with 53 officers injured in clashes, according to the interior ministry. The unrest marked the second consecutive weekend of demonstrations over the high cost of living. Violence broke out on the margins of mass protests in major cities Saturday, with police responding to 75 fires and 24 shops looted. The interior ministry said several investigations have been opened, though it did not specify how many protesters were hurt. The protests come as France prepares for presidential elections in April and May to choose a successor to Emmanuel Macron, who is reaching his two-term limit. Reports of serious injuries among protesters, including hand wounds and possible finger loss, have raised concerns about police tactics.