French protests escalate: 135 arrested, weapons seized

A new wave of protests across France has begun, with 135 people arrested and weapons including fireworks, slingshots, and swords seized nationwide, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñes. Police have already taken action against demonstrators in several cities. In Paris, 35,000 people are reported on the streets, down from 60,000 last Saturday, when 264 arrests were made. Police in Lyon used tear gas on a group of about 150 protesters in a banned demonstration area, and shops in several cities have barricaded their doors following last weekend's looting. The protests, which began as school demonstrations, have expanded into nationwide unrest over living costs and public services. Authorities have deployed 70,000 police with helicopters and armored vehicles, while similar protests are planned in Italy, Albania, Spain, and Portugal.