France Protests Turn Violent: Over 1,200 Arrested Amidst Arson and Looting

Nationwide protests across France escalated into widespread disorder on Saturday, with authorities reporting over 1,200 arrests. Demonstrations, initially sparked by high school student grievances, broadened to include anger over rising living costs and the perceived erosion of the social welfare system. While many protests remained peaceful, violent fringe groups engaged in clashes with police, setting buildings ablaze, looting shops, and attacking public property. The town hall in Limoges was reported to be "largely lost" to a fire during the unrest.