More than 2,400 people have been arrested and around 997 police officers and emergency service workers injured amid widespread unrest linked to anti-government protests across France, according to figures cited by British broadcaster Sky News.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said the figures were provisional and could rise as authorities continued to assess the scale of the violence and damage.
The unrest began with student-led demonstrations but expanded into a broader protest movement driven by concerns over the rising cost of living and the deterioration of social security provisions. Left-wing groups and trade unions subsequently joined the demonstrations, widening their reach.
The latest figures mark an increase from earlier reports that more than 2,000 people had been detained. Authorities have yet to provide a final account of the arrests and injuries.
Protests spread beyond France
France’s unrest comes amid demonstrations over living costs in other parts of Europe, although the scale of the movements has varied from country to country.
In Italy, students staged protests in several cities last week over rising living expenses. In Milan, demonstrations reportedly escalated into clashes with police, while incidents of arson and looting were also reported.
Belgium has also witnessed confrontations between protesters and police. Officers used tear gas and water cannons to disperse demonstrators in some areas.
Meanwhile, protests have begun in Portugal, adding to growing public discontent over economic pressures in parts of Europe.
The developments highlight how concerns over household costs and social protection have become focal points for demonstrations across several European countries. However, the protests differ in their scale, demands and level of confrontation.
