Pakistan, Oct. 18 -- France faced nationwide protests over rising living costs on Saturday, with police detaining dozens as public discontent grows ahead of next year's presidential election. The demonstrations come months before voters choose President Emmanuel Macron's successor in two rounds scheduled for April and May 2027.

The protests follow weeks of student blockades demanding better conditions in schools. Some demonstrations have escalated into clashes, prompting rights groups to accuse police of using excessive force against young protesters. The Yellow Vest movement, which led major protests against fuel tax increases eight years ago, called for Saturday's rallies alongside young people.

More than 600 demonstrations were plann...