French protests turn violent as 800,000 march against cost of living

An estimated 800,000 people marched in France on Saturday, according to organizers, while the interior minister put the figure at 550,000, as nationwide protests descended into unprecedented violence, property damage, and looting. The demonstrations, aimed at creating a "convergence of struggles" over social issues and the high cost of living, drew together "gilets jaunes" activists, high school students, unions, and left-wing politicians. In several cities, peaceful crowds were accompanied by independent groups intent on confrontation, leading to clashes with police. The protest call originated on social media and was amplified by student unions, with hopes of reviving the "gilets jaunes" movement. Authorities declared central Paris off-limits to demonstrations, deploying police units to prevent gatherings, yet numerous small groups still attempted to reach the city center.