France is working through one of its most serious waves of unrest in years after a weekend of protests over rising prices turned violent in cities across the country, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to address the nation on Sunday night.
Authorities said roughly 2,400 people were arrested on Saturday alone, and police fired tear gas into crowds in Paris on Sunday as disorder continued. Rioters looted shops and set public buildings on fire, including a historic town hall that was badly damaged in the unrest. The protests began with students demanding more teachers and school repairs, and grew as unions and other demonstrators joined in to protest the rising cost of living, before smaller groups turned to looting and arson.
In his address, Macron vowed accountability for those responsible for the destruction, saying that anyone who committed illegal acts, including looting shops or attacking government buildings, needed to answer for it. He attributed the violence itself to radical fringe groups and criminals operating alongside the demonstrations, while also acknowledging the legitimate concerns behind the peaceful protests over schools and living costs. He called for talks this week bringing together students, teachers, employee representatives, local governments and lawmakers to work with the government on concrete solutions, and he directed local officials to step up protection of shops and public buildings in the meantime.
The unrest in France arrives alongside similar economic protests in Italy and Albania in recent days, part of a broader wave of discontent over living costs playing out in several European countries this autumn. Analysts have also flagged the French disorder as a fresh test of the government's fiscal position, given the cost of the policing response and the pressure for concessions on spending.
Macron's promised roundtable talks are expected to begin this week, and how quickly they produce concrete commitments on schools and living costs will shape whether the unrest subsides.
What started the protests in France?
Students began demonstrating for more teachers and school repairs, and unions and other groups joined in over the rising cost of living, before the demonstrations turned violent.
What is Macron doing in response?
He has promised accountability for those responsible for looting and arson, and has called for talks this week with students, teachers, unions, local governments and lawmakers.