Paris's cost of living protests spiral into France's worst violence, riots in decades

Violent protests against rising living costs and deteriorating public services engulfed French cities on Saturday, marking some of the worst unrest the nation has experienced in decades. While hundreds of thousands participated in peaceful demonstrations across the country, a small but determined fringe attacked public buildings, looted stores, and clashed with law enforcement.

In Limoges, the city hall was set ablaze, while in Marseille, black-clad protesters infiltrated city hall and defaced it with anarchist graffiti. Lyon saw similar destruction, with rioters torching the city's tourist office. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu vowed the government would not be "intimidated" by the violence and blamed the unrest on "ultra-left" elements and criminals, just weeks before a presidential election.

The unrest resulted in over 1,200 arrests and affected around 550,000 participants, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nunez. President Emmanuel Macron pledged to prosecute those responsible for the attacks and vowed to stand united against those who sought to undermine institutions. Belgium, Portugal, and Italy also witnessed smaller-scale protests linked to rising living costs in Europe.

Protesters claimed most participants marched peacefully, attributing the violence to troublemakers seeking to cause damage and confront police. Many carried signs criticizing the police, president, and the wealthy, expressing frustration over the high cost of living, soaring fuel prices, and violent attacks on students. Tear gas was deployed by police in some areas as they attempted to disperse the crowds.

French media reported a teenager injured after picking up a stun grenade, while police unions accused authorities of using excessive force. The police watchdog is investigating over 150 police injuries and more than two dozen allegations of police violence during the protests. France's efforts to reduce public debt have failed to reassure investors, leading to higher borrowing costs, exacerbating the government's financial challenges.