French Protests Spread: Lyon, Marseille, Lille Hit by Unrest

Thousands of protesters clashed with police across France on Saturday, with masked youths setting a tourism office in Lyon ablaze and demonstrators breaking into town halls in Marseille and Lille, as over 600 demonstrations were planned nationwide against high prices ahead of elections to replace President Emmanuel Macron. In Paris, tens of thousands marched, some shouting "Macron, resign," while police deployed tear gas and water cannons at key locations. The Interior Ministry shut multiple Metro stations and cordoned off the Champs-Elysees, the presidential palace, and government buildings. The unrest follows a mid-September student and teacher blockade in Paris's northern suburbs over school shortages and infrastructure. The movement has since snowballed into a national crisis over three weeks, fueled by broader economic grievances including the high cost of living and rising fuel prices. The mayor of Marseille has called for police reinforcements after the town hall break-in.