French Protests Draw 400,000, Nearly 1,000 Arrested

More than 400,000 people protested across France on Saturday, leading to nearly 1,000 arrests, according to the government, marking the second consecutive weekend of mass social unrest. The Interior Ministry reported 410,000 demonstrators nationwide, including 110,000 in Paris, while the CGT union claimed nearly 800,000 participants. Protests were mostly peaceful, but clashes erupted afterward, with authorities preventing attacks on public buildings. Demonstrators protested rising living costs and police violence, with many students and union members participating. The CGT called for a general strike on November 5, and arrests included 65 in Paris, many for carrying weapon-like materials.