More than 500,000 take to the streets
Massive protests across France over living costs and public services have escalated into violent riots, resulting in significant property damage and injuries. President Macron has condemned the violence, attributing it to radical elements and criminals.
Why it matters
The unrest signals deep-seated social instability in a major European economy, potentially impacting future political stability.
Protests in France against rising living costs and declining public services turned violent over the weekend, with more than 500,000 people taking to the streets.
Hundreds of thousands of people marched through various cities and protested peacefully but others set fire to the city hall in Limoges, gutting the 19th-century building.
Lyon's city tourist office was also set ablaze, supermarkets were looted and there were attacks on police officers and vehicles and luxury boutiques, in what was described as the country's worst unrest in years.
Officers used tear gas to restrain the crowds. One protester died of a heart attack, and another lost a hand.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in