France protests turn violent, with 272 arrested across the country
Why it matters: The unrest widened weeks of student blockades into a broader backlash over living costs, wages and public services.
Violence flared across France on Saturday as nationwide protests over rising living costs and support for student grievances drew tens of thousands into the streets and led to at least 272 arrests. In Paris, police used tear gas and water cannons near Place de la République as masked groups threw fireworks and objects, while a car and a newspaper kiosk burned. Authorities also reported damage in Lyon, where fire broke out in a tourist office, and in Marseille, where some protesters forced their way into the lobby of City Hall and damaged a municipal police station. The demonstrations grew out of school blockades that began in mid-September and expanded with backing from the CGT labor union and calls online to revive the yellow vest movement.