French police arrest 1,800 as protests over living costs spread across France

French police arrested at least 1,800 people nationwide after violent clashes and looting erupted during protests over rising living costs, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to hold an emergency meeting and address the nation Sunday. The demonstrations drew hundreds of thousands, with masked groups setting fires and attacking public buildings, including Limoges' 19th-century City Hall, whose roof collapsed. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez condemned the violence, citing looting in Paris, Marseille, Lyon and Bordeaux. Authorities reported about 550,000 participants, while organizers claimed 800,000. One person died of a heart attack, and Paris police arrested 855 in the capital region. Political leaders, including far-right candidate Marine Le Pen, traded blame ahead of next spring's presidential election.