French protests against high living costs turn violent in Paris, Nantes, Lyon, and Lille

Massive protests against the high cost of living erupted across France on Saturday, with violent clashes in Paris, Nantes, Lyon, and Lille, prompting the Prime Minister to condemn "extreme intensity" violence against police. In Paris, over 300 demonstrators reached the Champs-Elysées despite a ban, while a protester in Saint-Etienne had his hand torn off by a police grenade. Lille's city hall was ransacked, and Lyon's tourism office was set on fire, with 166 arrests reported nationwide. The October 17 mobilization, driven by a viral TikTok video, united gilets jaunes, students, unions, and climate activists. The government faces criticism from the left over its crowd-control strategy, while authorities deployed specialized units and a water cannon to manage the unrest.