French protests over living costs turn violent in Paris and beyond

Violent protests erupted across France on Saturday as demonstrators joined high school students in rallies against rising living costs, with police using tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds in Paris. Cars were set on fire and shops looted in Paris, while Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez's office reported assaults on officers, looting, and damage to public buildings nationwide. Police made at least 272 arrests, including in Paris, as masked protesters threw fireworks and paving stones at officers in Place de la République. The demonstrations revived the "yellow vest" movement from 2018, fueled by frustration over spiking gasoline, energy, and food prices. Many metro stations closed at police request, while peaceful protesters marched toward northwestern Paris chanting the national anthem.