French Protests Turn Violent as Over 400 Arrested Nationwide

Nationwide demonstrations in France escalated into violent clashes in multiple major cities on Saturday, with protesters setting fires, looting shops, and storming government buildings and police stations. Police used tear gas and water cannons to suppress the unrest, and over 400 people have been arrested across the country as of this evening. The protests, driven by rising living costs, fuel prices, and education reform demands, drew an estimated 550,000 to 800,000 participants in 1,750 gatherings. Violence erupted in Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Lille, and Nice, including arson at a tourist office and break-ins at city halls and a police station. President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence on X, vowing prosecution for looters and vandals, while Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu and far-right leader Marine Le Pen blamed far-left groups. Left-wing politician Jean-Luc Melenchon criticized police excesses, and the unrest is expected to impact next year's presidential election.