Hundreds of thousands march over living costs

Hundreds of thousands of protesters took to the streets nationwide on Saturday, with students joining trade unions and members of the public to protest the cost of living.

Protests turn violent across France

While mostly peaceful, footage showed public buildings set on fire, stores looted and clashes with riot police. Some two thousand people were arrested during the turmoil.

Macron blames far-left troublemakers

President Emmanuel Macron promised full transparency and accused troublemakers from far-left splinter groups and delinquents of engaging in unbridled violence.

“Those who destroyed must pay; those who looted must reimburse.”

Mélenchon and Le Pen seize on chaos

Jean-Luc Mélenchon said accusations he caused the violence aimed to weaken his presidential bid. Marine Le Pen pitched herself as the candidate of an appeased France.

Election race heats up six months out

With six months until next year's presidential election, Mélenchon races closely with Raphaël Glucksmann and Edouard Philippe for second place behind far-right frontrunner Marine Le Pen.