Mass demonstrations over cost of living, public services and fiscal austerity
erupted on the 17th across France, Italy, Portugal, Belgium and other European
countries. In France protests were nationwide — including Paris, Lyon, Lille,
Marseille, Bordeaux and Strasbourg — and organizers estimated up to 800,000
participants (government estimate ~550,000). Demonstrations in France and Italy
turned violent in some cities, with arson, looting and damage to public
facilities; a Lyon tourist office branch was set on fire and looted, and
Municipal buildings in Marseille and Lille were breached and damaged. Interior
Minister Nunez said on social media preliminary counts showed more than 2,000
people arrested nationwide, over 600 police, gendarmes and firefighters injured,
and hundreds of businesses sustaining significant property damage.
