Protests across France have intensified, with 410,000 participants reported by the Interior Ministry. While the demonstrations began peacefully, they have turned violent for two consecutive weekends, particularly in cities like Paris, Marseille, and Lyon. Rioters have engaged in significant vandalism, including setting fire to the historic city hall in Limoges and looting luxury boutiques.
Although the violence was less severe than the previous week, the situation has prompted a heightened police presence and use of tear gas to control crowds. The protests originated from high school students expressing dissatisfaction with educational conditions but have since expanded into broader national grievances.
This unrest coincides with rising government borrowing costs, as evidenced by the yield on France's 10-year bonds surpassing 5% for the first time since 2002. Investors are increasingly concerned that France's debt issues could have repercussions for the wider euro zone economy