French protests lead to over 1,200 arrests and 150 police injuries

Around 1,200 people were arrested in France on Saturday during nationwide protests against the cost of living and public services, with over 150 police officers injured, according to Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. The mayors of Paris, Marseille, and Lyon are demanding a meeting with him. The protests, which drew an estimated 550,000 to 800,000 people, turned violent in places, with attacks on public buildings, luxury shops, and police. Authorities used tear gas and water cannons, and the violence is considered the worst in decades. The unrest follows weeks of escalating protests that began in September over school conditions. Similar demonstrations occurred in Belgium, Portugal, and Italy, while President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to punish those responsible for the attacks.