French protests over living costs turn violent, 1,800 arrested

Violent protests erupted across France on Saturday against rising living costs, leaving devastated streets, with 1,800 arrests and nearly 1,500 shops damaged, according to officials. The demonstrations, called by the Yellow Vest movement, saw clashes in Paris, Bordeaux, and other cities, including the torching of Limoges' 19th-century town hall. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez blamed far-left individuals and delinquents for the violence, which injured over 500 police and firefighters. President Emmanuel Macron condemned the unrest, vowing prosecution for perpetrators, while turnout estimates ranged from 550,000 to 800,000. The protests followed weeks of student demonstrations over school conditions and teacher shortages.