France rocked by violent cost-of-living protests

Photo — Jorge Soto Farias / Pexels

The unrest followed largely peaceful marches that drew about 320,000 participants nationwide, according to reports. In Paris, Lyon, Grenoble and other cities, some demonstrators threw paving stones and petrol bombs, while police responded with tear gas and water cannon. The protests are part of a wider wave of social unrest in Europe, including violent demonstrations in Germany, and are adding pressure on France’s government to address deteriorating living standards and public-service concerns.

Sources: BBC, Anadolu Agency, The Straits Times