French protests turn violent as 550,000 march across major cities

Protests across France turned violent on Saturday, with an estimated 550,000 people marching and clashes erupting in Paris, Marseille, Lyon and Lille. At least 400 people were arrested, and President Macron vowed that those who attacked public buildings will be prosecuted. Police used tear gas against masked groups in Paris, who burned cars and threw rocks, while intruders stormed Marseille's city hall and Lyon's tourist office was set on fire. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez blamed far-left groups for "targeted, violent operations" aimed at hitting public buildings, with attacks also reported in Grenoble, Avignon and other cities. The protests follow weeks of high school student revolts over education conditions, alongside grievances about living costs and the welfare system. The unrest occurs amid fiscal concerns and with the presidential election due in April, recalling the 2018-2019 yellow vests crisis.