French protests turn violent as over 400 arrested in nationwide clashes

Nationwide demonstrations in France escalated into violent clashes in multiple major cities, with protesters committing arson, looting businesses, and storming government buildings and police stations, leading to over 400 arrests by Saturday evening. The protests, organized by unions and civic groups against rising living costs and fuel prices, converged with student demonstrators demanding education reforms. The CGT estimated 800,000 participants across 1,750 gatherings, while authorities cited 550,000. Violence erupted in Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Lille, and Nice, prompting police to use tear gas and water cannons. President Macron condemned the violence on X, vowing prosecution of perpetrators, while Prime Minister Lecornu blamed far-left groups. Far-right leader Le Pen echoed support for police, and leftist figure Mélenchon, who joined the marches, accused authorities of excessive force and media of ignoring peaceful participation.