French protests escalate as police clash with demonstrators nationwide

Protesters clashed with police across France on Saturday as nationwide demonstrations united students, teachers, unions, and the resurging "yellow vest" movement, with tear gas deployed in Paris and over 250 arrests reported. In Paris, police used tear gas and stun grenades to push back masked protesters, while dozens were detained. In Marseille, protesters breached the town hall and looted shops, and in Lyon, a tourism office was set ablaze. The Interior Ministry recorded 140 protest actions with 32,800 participants by midday. The demonstrations follow weeks of high school student rallies over poor school conditions, including one case of a 15-year-old girl losing a hand. President Emmanuel Macron appealed for calm on Friday, citing the constitutional right to protest while urging respect for people and property.