French protests: nearly 1,000 arrested in new clashes with police

Nearly 1,000 people were arrested across France on Saturday during a new wave of mass protests, with over 400,000 demonstrators taking to the streets. Clashes with police occurred in several cities, including Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, Toulouse, and Rennes. In Paris, riot police used tear gas and water cannons against protesters near Porte de Vincennes, while some demonstrators launched fireworks at officers. Authorities mobilized about 70,000 security personnel and military troops from Operation Sentinelle to protect key sites, following violent unrest and looting during cost-of-living protests last weekend. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez blamed "far-left and radical far-left representatives" for attempting to "sow chaos," calling their actions unacceptable. The "yellow vests" movement has called for further protests on October 31, while authorities also monitored a far-right National Rally convention in Orléans, where 13,000 demonstrators gathered.