French protests against living costs turn violent as 1,200 arrested

A nationwide protest in France against the high cost of living on Saturday drew between 550,000 and 800,000 people but was overshadowed by widespread violence, including arson attacks on town halls and looting, leading to over 1,200 arrests. The mobilization, which doubled the turnout of the 2018 "yellow vest" protests, saw "black bloc" groups cause chaos in Paris and other cities, with the Limoges town hall largely destroyed by fire. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez blamed the "radical ultra-left" for the targeted attacks, while organizers and critics questioned the police response. The protests, which also included student and union demands, were marred by the destruction, with 150 police injured and one man found dead near the Arc de Triomphe. President Emmanuel Macron vowed to punish the perpetrators, as organizers plan a second act on November 5.