French protests: Why tens of thousands are taking to the streets

Tens of thousands of people across France protested against the high cost of living on Saturday, with over 160 arrests made as authorities reported outbreaks of violence and rioting at several demonstrations. The Interior Ministry ordered police to take a hard line, using batons and tear gas. With the presidential election less than seven months away, the government aims to prevent recent student protests from escalating into a broader movement similar to the Yellow Vests. Protesters cited high fuel, food, and energy prices, the impact of the summer drought on agriculture, and poor school conditions as key grievances. The protests were mobilized under the slogan "On en a marre!" (We are fed up!).