French protests over cost of living draw 800,000, clashes hit Paris, Nantes, Lyon, Lille
Around 800,000 people protested across France on Saturday against the high cost of living, according to organizers, while the Interior Ministry estimated 550,000 participants. The demonstrations were marked by violent clashes, looting, and property damage in multiple cities, including Paris, Nantes, Lyon, and Lille. President Emmanuel Macron vowed that those who "broke" and "looted" would be "prosecuted and punished," saying the country would stand united against "sowers of chaos." In Bordeaux, the prefect's residence was ransacked, prompting elite police intervention, while Lille's city hall was breached and vandalized. A protester in Saint-Etienne lost a hand after picking up a police grenade. The mobilization, driven by a viral TikTok call and supported by youth groups, unions, and gilets jaunes figures, saw over 160 arrests nationwide. Authorities deployed water cannons and tear gas, with the CRS 8 unit activated in Paris, as officials condemned the violence while acknowledging the deep anger behind the protests.