The key facts

  • Mass protests in France over the cost of living and school conditions escalated into riots and looting
  • Shops were damaged in Paris, Lille, Lyon, Marseille and other cities
  • Traders said the violence traumatised staff and threatened family businesses

Aftermath of protests across France

France is recovering after violent clashes and looting during nationwide protests sparked by the cost of living and conditions in schools. In Paris, Lille, Lyon, Marseille and other cities, the riots left behind damaged shops, shattered windows and burned rubbish. According to Euronews, this is one of the most serious episodes of unrest in the country in recent years.

Reaction of traders

Shop owners condemned the destruction, noting that what happened traumatised employees and poses a threat to family businesses. Others stressed that the violence undermines the goals of the protesters themselves.

Clean-up and damage assessment

Clean-up crews and residents began clearing the streets while the country assesses the scale of the damage caused by the riots.