Nationwide protests over the cost of living in France turned violent today as demonstrators clashed with police in several cities, and one protester lost a hand to a police crowd-control grenade. A minister said more than 550,000 people took part, including 110,000 in Paris, while police arrested around 400 people and detained more than 160 nationwide. The movement grew out of student demonstrations that began last month over school conditions and spread into broader anger over inequality, weak public spending and falling standards. The unrest comes as purchasing power has fallen since 2024 and public debt is projected to exceed 120% of GDP next year, double the EU's 60% limit. President Macron called for calm and respect, while opposition politicians seeking to succeed him have seized on the protests.
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