French protest violence eases while scattered riots hit Germany ahead of school return
Protest-related violence in France has decreased, though authorities remain on high alert as schools reopen. Meanwhile, Germany experienced scattered riots and looting during nationwide demonstrations.
Why it matters
Widespread civil unrest driven by economic grievances poses a significant challenge to European governments and public safety.
PARIS: French authorities expressed relief Sunday after mass protests over rising living costs resulted in less violence than previous weekends. But police expect new demonstrations as high schools at the heart of the movement reopen Monday after their autumn break.
Germany faced its own challenges after nationwide protests Saturday ended with rioters attacking police and looting stores in some cities. Around Europe, hundreds of thousands joined overwhelmingly peaceful marches Saturday inspired by young people, despite scattered unrest.
In Paris, rioters targeted police with Molotov cocktails at the end of Saturday’s march on the city’s eastern edge, injuring three officers and setting a car ablaze, police said. Across town, masked groups hurled fireworks at officers at a viewpoint across from the Eiffel Tower, and police charged repeatedly, sending panicked visitors fleeing the area.
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