French protests against cost of living grip nation

French authorities arrested dozens of people Saturday at the start of nationwide protests against the rising cost of living, a key test of social unrest in the turbulent final months of President Emmanuel Macron's term. The "Yellows and Youth" call unites the gilets jaunes movement, Generation Z, farmers, teachers, and climate activists. Police used tear gas in Paris, and around 200,000 protesters were expected nationwide. By midday, 166 people had been detained, with roadblocks reported in Rennes, Marseille, and Lyon. The protests mark the return of the gilets jaunes, whose 2018-2019 demonstrations over fuel taxes shook Macron's first term. Two-thirds of French people support the movement, according to a September poll. The government announced measures to ease pressure, including fuel releases and agricultural funds, while facing a planned €54 billion fiscal adjustment.