President Macron urged calm after nationwide protests over fuel prices and public services turned violent, with looting and arson in several cities. Police have arrested about 2,400 people and over 1,000 officers were injured.
01Summary
- 01Some 550,000 people took part in largely peaceful protests on Saturday against rising fuel prices, the cost of living and deteriorating public services.
- 02Rioters set fire to cars and buildings in Paris, Marseille, Lille and other towns; the Limoges city hall was gutted by fire.
- 03French police have arrested about 2,400 people and around 1,000 officers were injured, seven seriously, according to the interior ministry.
- 04On Sunday, clashes and looting continued on a smaller scale in Paris and Lyon, with police using tear gas and stun grenades.
- 05Macron vowed that those involved in the violence would face justice and promised 'full transparency' over the police response.
02Why it matters
This unrest signals deep public anger over economic pressures and strained public services, which could affect policy decisions on fuel taxes and social spending in France.
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