Tear gas fired as protests erupt across France (VIDEOS)

Rallies decrying rising living costs and calling for greater education spending have been sweeping the country for weeks French riot police have fired tear gas and clashed with crowds of protesters as tens of thousands took to the streets of cities across the country to rally against the cost-of-living crisis. Students also joined Saturday’s nationwide protests, calling for education reform, better classroom facilities and greater access to resources.The demonstrations have grown from student-led protests that began last month at a high school in Creteil, near Paris, over teacher shortages and deteriorating school facilities. The movement has since broadened to reflect wider discontent over inequality and the cost of living, coinciding with labor union rallies against the government’s proposed 2027 budget and its deficit reduction measures.On Saturday, violent clashes were reported in Paris, Marseille, Rennes, Toulouse and Angers. The French Interior Ministry says there has been an “escalation in violence” and has confirmed 272 arrests nationwide.Footage from Paris showed police confronting protesters, while masked demonstrators threw objects and fireworks.In Marseille, protesters ...