Nearly 300 protesters were arrested as chaos flared across France again, with the Interior Ministry condemning “targeted acts of violence” from “hooded individuals” in major urban areas. The ministry said around 400 people had been arrested so far, after demonstrations involving 550,000 people. Police reported 60 law enforcement officers injured as clashes broke out in cities including Paris, Marseille, Strasbourg, Lille and Lyon. Today’s protests, backed by far-left figure Jean-Luc Mélenchon, were linked to fury over the cost-of-living crisis and rising fuel prices. Protesters reportedly included people in high-visibility vests nicknamed the “Yellow Vests”, as well as students and trade unions. The Interior Ministry accused protesters of attacking police officers, looting and causing fires. Security personnel responded “swiftly and decisively”, and the ministry warned there was a very high probability far-left elements would attempt to escalate the situation during this afternoon’s marches. In Paris, demonstrators were seen climbing on monuments in Place de la République while hoisting the flag of Palestine. In Marseille, the mayor said the town hall was vandalised and that additional police were being sent after talks with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. Paris Police Prefecture said it would not “back down in the face of rioters” and that police were targeted by hostile individuals seeking a fight. Arrests were reported as unrest continued, with police and the Interior Ministry warning of possible escalation during the marches.