France's weekend riots: what comes next after protests turn violent?

France experienced its worst unrest in years over the weekend as protests against the cost of living and underfunded public services turned violent, with Limoges town hall torched and over 3,000 shops pillaged or damaged. Authorities arrested 2,400 people and are organizing curfews while boosting police numbers for potential renewed protests. The government is implementing state-financed furlough measures and cashflow funds for affected businesses, though details remain incomplete, while insurers are expected to cover some damage. Protests began last month at Paris high schools over teacher shortages and facilities, with the government pledging 3,000 teachers to fill gaps but no substantial school funding increase. New demonstrations are called for October 24 and strikes for November 5, while the unrest has pressured French stocks, the euro, and government bonds. The crisis may boost far-right candidate Marine Le Pen ahead of the 2027 presidential election, and several European governments have advised caution for travelers to France.