French PM holds crisis meeting after weekend riots as arrests top 2,400

France is facing a political and security crisis after a weekend of nationwide protests over the cost of living, public services and education turned into some of the worst unrest in years.

How the protests grew

The movement began in September as student action in high schools in poorer Paris suburbs over teacher shortages, poor facilities and school funding. By Saturday it had widened into a day of action joined by trade unions, university students, left-wing groups and supporters of the yellow vest movement. The interior ministry put turnout at more than half a million people, while unions and some reports said up to 800,000 took part. Most demonstrators were peaceful.

Violence and damage

In Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Lille and other cities, groups clashed with police. Riot officers used tear gas and water cannon. Protesters threw stones, fireworks and other objects, burned cars and kiosks, and looted shops. In Lyon the tourism office was set alight. In Marseille and Lille town halls were stormed or vandalised. In Limoges the 19th-century town hall was badly damaged by fire and its clock tower collapsed. Officials said firefighters were prevented from tackling some blazes. Reports said one person died of a heart attack, a teenager lost a hand after grabbing a stun grenade, and hundreds of police and firefighters were injured. A trade group estimated around 1,500 shops were damaged.

Arrests and government response

Arrest figures rose through the weekend. Early reports put the number at 160, then 270, 400 and 1,200. By Sunday and Monday the interior ministry said nearly 2,400 people had been arrested. The government blamed a violent minority, including ultra-left and organised groups, for hijacking legitimate anger. The prime minister, Sebastien Lecornu, said the unrest was unprecedented and announced new powers for mayors to impose local curfews. Marseille banned public gatherings between midday and 8pm on Monday.

President Emmanuel Macron initially called for calm and respect for people and property. After the worst violence he condemned the rioters and promised they would be prosecuted and punished. In a televised address he said France felt 'anger and shame' and promised to listen to peaceful protesters while restoring republican order. He said those who destroyed must pay, those who looted must make restitution and those who sought to bring down the republic would be held accountable. Macron also held an emergency cabinet meeting, while Lecornu chaired a crisis meeting in Paris.

Political fallout

The unrest has exposed deep political divisions before presidential elections due next spring. Macron is in his final term and cannot run again. Marine Le Pen, the far-right leader and current favourite, blamed immigration and promised to restore order. Jean-Luc Melenchon, the hard-left leader, condemned the looting and arson but accused police of heavy-handed tactics. Analysts said the violence could benefit populist parties on both sides. The government is also under pressure over France's high public debt, inflation and budget choices.

European echoes

Similar cost-of-living protests have spread elsewhere in Europe. Albania's capital Tirana saw a fifth or sixth day of student-led clashes over education, living costs and alleged corruption, with calls for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign. Italy saw clashes in Milan, and there were demonstrations in Belgium, Spain, Portugal and Greece. The French government has promised to restore order while acknowledging the anger behind the protests.