Clashes break out as hundreds of thousands protest in France

Clashes erupted in Paris and other French cities as hundreds of thousands protested against soaring living costs. Over 500 people were arrested, with police using water cannons and tear gas to disperse the rioters. Regular protesters joined the demonstrations wearing Halloween costumes. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez acknowledged that the marches had been largely peaceful but denounced the disorder, including an incident in Paris where a police officer was struck by a Molotov cocktail.

Four police officers and one gendarme sustained injuries, three of them burned by the Molotov cocktail. At least 565 people were arrested across the country. In Paris, clashes broke out when a procession of masked protesters, some dressed in black and wielding hammers, attempted to break up a police line. Police responded with tear gas and baton charges, dispersing hundreds of rioters.

Interior Minister Nunez accused far-left extremist groups of the violence, describing the Molotov cocktail attack as an attempted murder. A night-time curfew was imposed in Paris neighborhoods of Republique and Chatelet-Les Halles. The protest movement, comprising Yellow Vest activists, trade unions, and students, initially protested the cost of living, inequality, and poor education conditions.

However, as law enforcement intervened, the demands expanded to include civil liberties and the right to protest. With France's economy facing recession and high debt, the government had limited options to appease protesters without additional spending.