France protests: curfews to be decided as Italy deploys troops to Milan
Protests reflect economic pressure
Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets over the weekend, protesting declining public services and the rising cost of living. Demonstrations began amid anger about school conditions and broadened into wider calls for change.
Le Monde analysis put price increases since Emmanuel Macron became president in 2017 at 23.4 per cent, compared with median salary growth of 22.8 per cent. France’s statistics office, INSEE, said oil and gas prices had risen since the Middle East conflict began, pushing inflation up again.
Arrests and response to violence
Thousands of people were arrested during the widespread protests, and Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin promised an “unrelenting” response to violence. Rioting and looting prompted the government’s curfew measures.
Heatwaves and drought have also raised the cost of fresh food, while farmers could pass higher costs on to consumers. Lower-income households have cut food spending or switched to cheaper products, and the wealthiest 20 per cent account for 38.8 per cent of the country’s total standard of living.
Italy sends troops to Milan
Italy plans to dispatch 500 army troops to Milan to “defend Milan,” Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said on Monday. The announcement followed clashes between demonstrators and police.
US President Donald Trump blamed immigration for the unrest in France and urged Macron to close the country’s borders. Trump said the protests were not driven by schools or other domestic grievances, while demonstrations had included demands concerning public services and living costs.
Key points
- Lecornu said prefects and mayors would decide where France needs new curfews.
- Weekend protests focused on public services, school conditions and rising living costs.
- Salvini said Italy would send 500 troops to Milan after clashes with police.
- Le Monde analysis found prices rose faster than median salaries after Macron became president in 2017.