French Riots Overshadow Cost-of-Living Protests

diepresse.com (German) —

Massive protests against high living costs in France were overshadowed by severe riots, including looting and arson, with 1,200 people arrested and 150 police officers injured. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu condemned the "extreme intensity" of violence, while President Emmanuel Macron vowed rigorous prosecution of "destroyers" and "looters." Around 550,000 people demonstrated nationwide, with clashes in Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, where a town hall was stormed. The unrest occurred amid student protests over education cuts and ahead of the 2026 presidential election. A 17-year-old lost his hand to a police grenade, and similar protests over living costs also took place in Belgium, Portugal, and Italy.


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