Protests against high prices in three European countries escalated into clashes

Protests against the rising cost of living in France, Italy and Belgium were accompanied by street unrest, arson and clashes with police. The largest demonstrations took place in France: estimates suggest that between 550,000 and 800,000 people took part. However, preliminary figures for arrests and injuries in the country, as well as reports of damage to several buildings, require further confirmation.

The main cause of discontent in France was the rising cost of living. In several cities, peaceful demonstrations escalated into riots and clashes with law enforcement. Reports circulating online describe the following incidents:

• In Limoges, a fire reportedly destroyed the town hall.
• In Lyon, flames engulfed a tourist office on Place Bellecour.
• Attacks on municipal buildings were reported in Marseille, Lille, Angers and Bordeaux.
• There were also reports of looted shops and damage to urban infrastructure.

According to preliminary reports, around 1,200 people involved in the unrest were arrested in France, and approximately 150 law enforcement officers were injured. These figures still require confirmation.

A statement on the social network X, attributed to French President Emmanuel Macron, condemns the violence and warns those involved in the riots:

“Those who rioted, attacked prefectures and shops, and looted even our town halls will be held accountable and punished,” the statement attributed to Emmanuel Macron reads.

In Italy, protests were also accompanied by clashes with police. In Milan, near the Duomo, rioters set fire to barricades. Reports said law enforcement used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd. Unrest also broke out in Turin, Bologna and Bergamo.

According to preliminary data, more than 50 people were arrested in Italy. A significant proportion of them were minors.

Demonstrations took place yesterday, October 17, in Brussels, the capital of Belgium. People protested against the high cost of fuel, food and housing. Demonstrators clashed with police during the rally.

Those involved in the unrest in the Belgian capital:

• damaged the Brussels offices of the Socialist Party;
• set rubbish on fire;
• damaged construction equipment;
• overturned a car.

Police used tear gas to restore order. Following the clashes in Brussels, 10 people were arrested.

“What is happening is no longer a protest. It is pure and simple violence, organized and repeated with the aim of destabilizing our society,” said Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin.

According to the minister, the federal police are assisting local law enforcement. He said the necessary personnel and resources would be deployed to stop the unrest.

We previously wrote:

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• Protests begin in Kazakhstan after a sharp rise in gas prices
• Sternenko verdict: protests are taking place in Ukrainian cities, with clashes between demonstrators and police
• “Shmyhal, get out!” — residents of Mykolaiv are once again protesting against higher rates outside the city council
• “Servants! Whom do you serve?” — residents of Mykolaiv protest against higher rates