French police clash with protesters in Paris and other cities over living costs

Hundreds of thousands of protesters clashed with police in Paris and other French cities on Saturday, with demonstrations over living costs and inequality turning violent despite a massive security deployment. The Interior Ministry reported 410,000 participants nationwide, while unions claimed double that figure. Riot police used tear gas and water cannon in Paris against masked youths, and similar confrontations occurred in Marseille, Lyon, and other cities, with looting reported. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez blamed far-left activists and criminal groups, noting 70,000 officers were deployed, 10,000 more than the previous week, after authorities underestimated prior unrest. The movement began with student protests and has spread to neighboring countries, with Belgian police also using pepper spray in Brussels. Hard-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon warned rallies would continue until President Emmanuel Macron addresses social discontent, while far-right events and a recent shooting added to tensions.