Hundreds arrested in French price hikes protests

French police detained nearly 450 people across the country during massive protests against rising living costs, leaving 53 officers injured, Le Monde reported, citing interior ministry figures.

Union organizers estimated nationwide turnout at 1.6 million, while authorities reported at least 600,000 demonstrators spanning nearly 200 rallies. Paris hosted the largest march, where a massive turnout created hours-long bottlenecks along the route between Place de la Republique and Place de la Nation.

While the majority of demonstrations proceeded without major disruptions, radical factions clashed with security forces in several cities, including Toulouse, Lyon, Marseille, and Nantes. Protesters threw projectiles and launched fireworks at law enforcement, and authorities opened an inquiry in Strasbourg after demonstrators burned an effigy of a riot officer.