Police use water cannons as Paris protests turn violent

Paris protests turned violent as police deployed water cannons and tear gas against demonstrators, with officials estimating 410,000 people rallied nationwide against rising living costs and inequality. Evening skirmishes erupted in cities including Paris and Marseille after largely peaceful daytime demonstrations, prompting authorities to deploy 70,000 security personnel and close landmarks like the Louvre. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez blamed far-left groups and criminals for the violence, while the movement has spread to Belgium, Italy, and Albania, with opposition warning protests will continue unless President Macron addresses discontent.