France’s 550,000-protester marches turn violent as unrest spreads across Europe
Hundreds of thousands marched in France over living costs, public services and inequality; the Interior Minister estimated 550,000 participants, while the CGT union put the figure at 800,000. Reuters and other outlets reported looting, arson and clashes in several cities, alongside demonstrations in Italy, Portugal, Belgium and Albania over varied economic and political grievances.
Bottom line — France’s Interior Minister said 1,200 people were arrested and 150 police officers injured.
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In Limoges, Reuters reported that fire collapsed the roof of the 143-year-old town hall.
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France’s Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said about 1,200 people had been arrested; President Emmanuel Macron vowed prosecutions, according to Reuters.
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In Albania, protests demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation entered a fifth day; the health ministry reported 35 people injured, according to AFP.
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Reuters reported that Portugal’s housing prices had doubled since 2017, fuelling demonstrations in Lisbon.
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In Brussels, student groups protested education costs and reforms they feared would restrict access to higher education, Reuters reported.