Mass Protests and Unrest Erupt Across France

Hundreds of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets across France in response to rising living costs and deteriorating school conditions. Overnight, authorities deployed 70,000 police officers and military personnel nationwide following significant unrest in major cities including Paris, Marseille, and Lyon. Police used tear gas and water cannons in efforts to disperse violent crowds, with sporadic clashes resulting in more than 2,500 arrests and nearly 1,000 police officers injured. According to officials, over 3,000 stores were looted and several public buildings, including Limoges City Hall, were seriously damaged by arson. President Emmanuel Macron’s administration has imposed curfews and restricted large gatherings in affected cities. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez offered his resignation amid the crisis, which was declined by President Macron. The protests are ongoing, with authorities warning the public to avoid central city areas as tensions remain high.