Mass protests in France spiral into worst riots in years
Summary
Mass protests over rising living costs and declining public services have spiralled into violent riots across France, with city halls, shops and police vehicles attacked and more than 1,200 people arrested. President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu condemned the unrest as police and protesters blamed each other for the clashes.
Key Points
- Rioting spread across cities in France as peaceful demonstrations over living costs turned violent in some areas.
- City halls in Limoges and Marseille were targeted, while looting and arson were reported in Paris, Lyon and other cities.
- Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said the government would not be intimidated, and President Emmanuel Macron vowed punishment for those behind the attacks.
- Around 550,000 people joined the protests, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, while the CGT union estimated 800,000 participants.
