French protests turn violent as luxury stores looted in Marseille and Paris
Widespread protests across France turned violent on Saturday, with town halls stormed, luxury stores looted, and buildings set on fire, leading to hundreds of arrests. An estimated 800,000 people participated in demonstrations, according to student unions, with clashes erupting in major cities including Marseille, Lille, Bordeaux, Paris, and Lyon. Police used tear gas and water cannons, while protesters threw projectiles and set fires, with town halls and a tourist office targeted. In Marseille, Mayor Benoît Payan demanded answers after the storming of the city hall and looting of stores like Hermès. Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire condemned the vandalism, noting most protesters were peaceful, as 272 arrests were made nationwide.