French protests grip 1,200 as violence rocks cities

France is waking up to a politically divided and partially devastated country after violent protests overnight, with 1,200 people reported arrested nationwide by late Saturday evening. An estimated 550,000 to 800,000 demonstrators gathered against the government, high living costs, and police, with clashes erupting before marches began. Masked groups led "guerrilla-like" actions, injuring 150 officers, while shops were looted and a town hall burned in Limoges. The protest wave originated from a left-leaning student movement and has grown to include farmers, unions, and "yellow vest" supporters. Demonstrators report police brutality, including a 17-year-old losing a hand to a grenade, though groups remain divided on solutions.