Violence Mars Nationwide French Protests

More than 500,000 people joined nationwide demonstrations Saturday, the largest protest day since the unrest spread nationally about a month earlier. Some marches stayed peaceful, while clashes broke out in several cities. The movement began with high school students protesting teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms and decaying buildings. It has grown into wider anger over inequality, living costs and public services. The CGTGeneral Confederation of Labour (France)French trade federation union backed the demonstrations, while President Emmanuel Macron said protest was a constitutional right but warned that attacks and destruction would be prosecuted. Police used tear gas and water cannons in Paris, and authorities reported about 400 arrests by nightfall. The unrest comes during budget talks and before the next presidential election.