PARIS: President Emmanuel Macron of France promised action against rioters on Sunday after nationwide protests led to nearly 2,400 arrests. Meanwhile, police in Milan faced a second day of clashes.
Groups set fire to public buildings and looted shops during demonstrations over rising living costs and school conditions.
In Limoges, a fire tore through the historic town hall and brought down its clock tower. Macron blamed far-left groups and criminals for the violence during a televised address.
But he distinguished those responsible for damage from peaceful protesters whose concerns he called legitimate. He pledged legal action against offenders and urged calm.
Teachers and students began demonstrating about a month earlier over staff shortages. Since then, the movement has broadened to include demands over rising prices.
In Italy, police used tear gas and water cannons near Milan’s central Duomo square on Sunday. Groups threw objects at police vehicles, smashed shop windows and ransacked a supermarket.
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Clashes began on Saturday alongside an authorised cost-of-living march. Separate protests brought disorder in Bologna and Turin.
Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala described seeing broken windows, looted shops and frightened residents. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy condemned those who used demonstrations to attack police and damage property.
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She defended the right to protest while rejecting violence. Separately, demonstrators in Lisbon’s Rossio Square protested against housing shortages, rising rents and low wages. Their banners demanded higher pay and pensions. Macron’s government plans talks with students, teachers, unions, employers and local representatives in the coming days to address their concerns.
