French protests largely peaceful despite scattered clashes

France saw largely peaceful protests Saturday, with authorities mobilizing 70,000 police—20% more than last week—to prevent a repeat of the violence that marred the previous demonstrations. Nearly 1,000 people were arrested, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez. The CGT union counted 800,000 protesters nationwide, matching last week's numbers, while the government reported 410,000, down from 550,000. Most marches remained calm, though over 500 "casseurs" attacked police in Paris, and sporadic incidents occurred in Lyon and Nantes, with two people seriously injured. The protests come amid heightened tension after a racist terror attack in Trappes killed one person, and as far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon warned President Macron to concede or face weekly demonstrations and a general strike. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen held a congress in Orléans, drawing 13,000 counter-protesters.