Europe Unrest Spreads: France Riots, 2,000 Arrests As Governments Face Cost-of-Living Anger
A wave of mass unrest that began over education infrastructure and rising cost of living in France has escalated into violent riots and spread across Europe. In France, nationwide demonstrations drew over 5.5 lakh people, resulting in torched town halls, looted shops, over 2,000 arrests, and curfews in Paris and Marseille. French President Emmanuel Macron announced bans on spontaneous protests and rejected the interior minister's resignation, even as lawmakers challenged government budget cuts and US political figures attributed the violence to immigration. Economic grievances, housing crises, and educational discontent have triggered simultaneous clashes in Belgium, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Albania. In response, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni approved tougher penalties and parental liability for riot damages, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned against violence on all sides. With multiple European nations heading into crucial elections, governments face severe pressure to restore order amid compounding economic fallout from global conflicts.