France unrest escalates as thousands arrested nationwide

Photo — Dries Basraoui / Pexels

The unrest began with demonstrations over rising living costs and declining public services, but violent groups attacked police, public buildings and businesses in several cities. More than 600 police officers were reportedly injured, and at least one person was killed. The scale of the disorder has prompted heightened security measures and political debate over public order, economic pressure and the government’s handling of the protests. Similar clashes were also reported in Milan, Italy, raising concern about wider social tensions in Europe.

Sources: SBS News, The Straits Times, Business Standard, NDTV, Daily Mirror