FRANCE PROTESTS TURN VIOLENT

Police clashed with protesters in Paris and several other French cities on Saturday as demonstrations over the rising cost of living escalated into violence, with fires, tear gas and vandalism reported nationwide.

In Lyon, masked youths set a tourism office on fire, prompting riot police to deploy tear gas and water cannon. In Marseille, protesters broke into the town hall and damaged furniture, while demonstrators in Lille forced their way into the mayor’s office and vandalised the premises.

In Paris, tens of thousands marched against rising prices, government policies and political leadership ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Protesters also damaged the offices of broadcasters CNews and Europe 1, while several parked cars were set on fire. Police arrested more than 130 people in the capital.

More than 600 demonstrations were planned across France, following calls from the Yellow Vest movement, which first mobilised in 2018 against planned fuel tax increases.

The protests come amid growing public concern over inflation, declining purchasing power and rising fuel costs. Discontent has also intensified following student protests over alleged police brutality in recent weeks.

The unrest has added to political tensions ahead of the presidential election, with far-right and far-left political leaders offering sharply contrasting assessments of the demonstrations.

France is also facing mounting pressure over public finances, with government debt projected to exceed 120 percent of gross domestic product next year.