Police deploy tear gas as France protests turn violent at nightfall

Protests across France turned violent on Saturday night for the second weekend in a row. Demonstrations in Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and other cities began peacefully but became dangerous after dark. Masked rioters threw fireworks and petrol bombs at police. Officers responded with tear gas, water cannons, and baton charges. In Paris, protesters smashed windows at a car dealership. In Marseille, rioters set barricades on fire. More than 1,000 people were arrested across the country. Around 70,000 police and gendarmes were on duty nationwide. The protests were driven by anger over rising living costs and cuts to public services. In Orléans, a separate and peaceful rally of 13,000 people took place against the National Rally party.