Nationwide Protests in France Turn Violent

More than half a million people demonstrated across France over the cost of living, school conditions, public-service funding and broader grievances, with students, unions and Yellow Vest supporters among those involved. Most marches were peaceful, but masked groups looted businesses, set fires and clashed with police; reports cited more than 1,200 arrests and police injuries in the hundreds. Limoges’ historic town hall was devastated by fire, and public buildings and shops were attacked in cities including Paris, Marseille and Lyon; a 17-year-old in Saint-Étienne reportedly lost a hand when a crowd-control grenade exploded. President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence, distinguished rioters from peaceful protesters and pledged legal and financial accountability, while authorities considered restrictions to protect public buildings and businesses. Related cost-of-living protests and clashes were reported in other European cities; separately, student-led demonstrations in Albania continued amid demands for Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation over corruption and public-service concerns.