France hit by worst unrest in years as attempts to rein in government spending meet citizen ire
France’s worst unrest in years saw thousands arrested, prompting President Macron to vow an “uncompromising” response ahead of a critical budget vote.
TL;DR
- Nationwide protests in France turned violent, with almost 2,400 arrests and significant damage to shops and buildings.
- Nearly 1,000 police officers and gendarmes were injured during the unrest.
- President Macron ordered a review of intelligence and preparedness and requested proposals to address the crisis.
- The government is seeking €54 billion in fiscal savings for its 2027 budget amid a record national debt.
- About 550,000 people marched nationwide, with violent groups targeting public buildings and looting shops.
- The town hall in Limoges was set ablaze, and other public buildings in Marseille and Lyon were affected.
- Far-right and far-left opposition leaders criticized the government's handling of the situation.