French protests over living costs turn violent in Paris and beyond

Violent protests erupted across France on Saturday, with cars set on fire and shops looted in Paris as police used tear gas and water cannons against demonstrators joining nationwide rallies over living costs and student grievances. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez's office reported rising violent incidents, including assaults on officers and damage to public buildings, with at least 272 arrests made nationwide. Protesters, responding to social media calls to revive the "yellow vest" movement, expressed anger over spiking gasoline, energy and food prices. The demonstrations, which included peaceful marches in Paris and Lyon, follow weeks of student protests through school blockades since mid-September. The CGT labor union backed the rallies, which have drawn international attention and influenced France's presidential election campaign.