France hit by worst unrest in years as attempts to rein in government spending meet citizen ire

France endured its worst unrest in years this weekend as nationwide protests over high living costs and declining public services turned violent ahead of a key government vote on the budget. Demonstrations erupted into riots on Saturday, with almost 2,400 people arrested, shops looted or damaged and buildings covered in graffiti as violent groups clashed with police in cities across the country, according to the interior ministry. Nearly 1,000 police officers and gendarmes were injured, the ministry said.