Violent protests over cost of living leave more than 2,000 arrested in France

France was rocked by widespread protests against rising living costs, with demonstrations escalating into clashes, fires, looting and property damage. The unrest followed calls to revive the Yellow Vests movement, which emerged in 2018, and coincided with student protests over deteriorating school conditions and shortages of teachers. According to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, the demonstrations resulted in more than 2,000 arrests and over 600 police officers, gendarmes and firefighters injured.

Protesters demanded higher wages, social benefits and pensions, as well as taxes on billionaires and large corporations. The General Confederation of Labour (CGT) estimated that around 800,000 people took part nationwide, while authorities put attendance at approximately 550,000. The unrest comes as the government proposes €54 billion in spending cuts and savings. In Limoges, a historic town hall built in 1876 was set on fire and largely destroyed, while damage was also reported in Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux and other cities. Nuñez blamed far-left groups for acts of violence, while insisting that peaceful demonstrations remain a fundamental right.