French protests turn violent as police clash with demonstrators in Paris and Marseille

Nationwide protests in France on Saturday turned violent, with clashes between demonstrators and police in Paris and other cities over high prices ahead of the presidential election. Protesters stormed the city hall in Marseille, while police used water cannons and tear gas in Paris. In Marseille, masked demonstrators rammed the mayor's office doors with barriers, entered the building, and sprayed an anarchist symbol before police intervened. In Paris, hundreds of masked protesters clashed with police, some launching fireworks, and broke windows at media offices. Over 32,000 people joined about 140 protests nationwide, with more than 160 arrests. The protests add pressure on President Emmanuel Macron's government following weeks of student demonstrations. The "Yellow Vests" movement, which organized protests eight years ago, called for the rallies under the slogan "yellow and youth." Macron urged calm and respect, while protests also included strikes by TotalEnergies workers blocking fuel shipments.