French protests over living costs turn violent in Paris and beyond

Hundreds of thousands of protesters marched across France on Saturday against rising living costs and poor school conditions, with violent clashes, fires, and looting breaking out in Paris and other cities, leading to about 400 arrests nationwide. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said 110 marches drew roughly 550,000 people, while organizers claimed 800,000, and he blamed "extremely violent, radical far-left groups" for targeting public buildings and shops. President Emmanuel Macron vowed that vandals and looters would be prosecuted, as police used tear gas and water cannons in Paris, and fires damaged city halls in Limoges and other towns. The protests, which revived the "yellow vest" movement from 2018, were fueled by frustration over spiking gasoline, energy, and food prices, with student groups and the CGT labor union backing the rallies. An investigation was opened after a protester lost a hand in Saint-Etienne, renewing scrutiny of police riot-control weapons, which have caused injuries during recent demonstrations.