French police fire tear gas as cost-of-living protests spread across cities

Massive cost-of-living protests swept across France on Saturday, with police firing tear gas in multiple cities as security forces braced for potential violence following last weekend's clashes. Demonstrations occurred in Paris, Lyon, Lille, Toulouse, Nantes, Bordeaux, and Grenoble, with several thousand people marching despite heavy rain. Police deployed tear gas and water cannons in several cities, while protesters expressed anger over rising costs and living conditions, with some citing fear of police violence. The protests follow last weekend's unrest that left multiple people wounded, including head trauma and fractures. Many businesses boarded up windows in anticipation, while some protesters acknowledged the violence was "unfortunate" but understandable given economic hardship.