French protests turn violent in Paris, Marseille, and Lille; 1,800 arrested

Around 1,800 people were arrested in France on Saturday as nationwide protests over fuel prices and living costs descended into riots, looting, and vandalism in Paris and other cities. The demonstrations drew roughly 550,000 people, largely peaceful, but masked groups set fires, smashed shopfronts, and looted stores in Paris, Marseille, and Lille. More than 500 police and firefighters were injured, and about 1,500 shops were damaged. The unrest followed weeks of student-led protests demanding more school funding, with officials blaming far-left extremists and "delinquents" for the violence. Landmark buildings, including Limoges town hall and Lyon's tourist office, were set ablaze.