France reports 1,314 arrests after Saturday protests

French authorities said Sunday that police arrested 1,314 people during Saturday’s nationwide demonstrations over the cost of living, after marches that were largely peaceful for much of the day gave way to clashes in several cities. The Interior Ministry also reported 53 injured officers, 75 fires and 24 looted shops. It did not give a total for injured protesters. The demonstrations took place for a second consecutive weekend amid demands over living costs and public services. Attendance estimates differed: the Interior Ministry put the nationwide turnout at 410,000, while the CGT union estimated nearly 800,000. The figures were estimates from the two organizations, and no independent count was reported. Authorities deployed about 70,000 police officers and gendarmes, 20% more than the previous Saturday, according to the Interior Ministry. Officials said the larger operation was intended to protect marches and businesses after extensive damage during the prior weekend’s unrest. The ministry said the remainder of Saturday night was calm after clashes subsided and that several investigations had been opened. In Paris, police spokesperson Hélène Denéchère said about 500 people...