French protests over costs turn violent, with 400 arrests

Violent clashes, fires and looting marred demonstrations across France on Saturday as hundreds of thousands of people marched against rising living costs and poor school conditions, with about 400 arrests nationwide. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said 110 marches drew about 550,000 people, while organizers claimed 800,000, and he blamed "extremely violent, radical far-left groups" for targeting public buildings and looting shops. In Paris, police used tear gas and water cannons, while fires damaged city halls in Limoges and Lyon. The protests, fueled by spiking gasoline, energy and food prices, revived the "yellow vest" movement and drew student groups, with President Emmanuel Macron vowing prosecution for violence. An investigation opened after a young protester lost a hand in Saint-Etienne, renewing scrutiny of police riot-control weapons.