Nearly 1,000 arrested as cost-of-living protests spread across France

Nearly 1,000 people have been arrested during cost-of-living protests across France, with clashes erupting in Paris and other major cities despite the deployment of 70,000 security personnel. Police used tear gas and water cannons as demonstrations spread nationwide. The protests drew between 410,000 and 800,000 people, according to authorities and the CGT union, with the main Paris march attracting up to 250,000. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez had warned of a tough response, and authorities imposed restrictions on demonstrations and city centre access following a week of violence. The unrest comes six months before France's presidential election, with far-right leader Marine Le Pen leading in surveys. Anger has focused on living costs and protest restrictions, with the Yellow Vests movement calling for further demonstrations on October 31. Similar protests have occurred in Italy, Belgium, Spain and Portugal.