Mass protests in France spiral into worst riots in years
Mass protests in France spiral into worst riots in years
Around 550,000 people took to the streets across France to protest against soaring living costs and declining public services.
What began as largely peaceful marches descended into violence in several cities, with rioters setting fire to public buildings and attacking police.
In Paris, masked protesters clashed with police, smashed shopfronts and looted luxury boutiques. Cars were set ablaze as officers fired tear gas to disperse crowds.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu blamed the violence on the "ultra-left" and criminals, vowing the government would not be intimidated. About 1,200 people were arrested nationwide.
More than 150 police officers were injured, while one person lost a hand during clashes.
Anger over living costs also spilled onto the streets of Belgium, Portugal and Italy, where some demonstrations turned violent. Protesters in Albania also rallied against perceived government corruption, a lack of jobs and poor education standards.
