France riots saw 2,500 arrests as protests spread to Italy and Spain, with town halls and shops looted and set ablaze. The unrest has raised concerns about the impact on France's fragile economic situation and potential spillover effects on neighboring countries.
Protests in France began at high schools in Paris' working-class northern suburbs, evolving from concerns over teacher shortages and shabby facilities into a broader movement over cost of living and underfunded public services. Violence escalated across the country, with Limoges town hall torched and over 3,000 shops damaged or pillaged.
The government has responded with increased police presence and financial support for affected businesses, but France's strained public finances limit broader measures to address protesters' concerns. The unrest has already affected French stocks and the euro, with risks to the country's fiscal stability and potential spillover effects on neighboring countries.
Italy and Spain have also seen protests over public services and the cost of living, raising concerns about the potential spread of unrest beyond France.