A fire burns following clashes between police and “Italia in Piazza” protesters in front of the Milan Cathedral in Milan, Italy on Saturday
The unrest in France left one demonstrator dead, injured more than 500 police officers and led to nearly 1,800 arrests, according to the interior minister. Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowds, while at least two officers were injured and around 50 demonstrators, including several minors, were detained, news agency LaPresse reported. Police arrested around 1,800 people across France, including a record 855 in the capital, while more than 500 officers were injured, the interior minister said. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said 550,000 people had taken part in the demonstrations, including 110,000 in Paris. He said police had made 400 arrests over vandalism charges, while subsequent nationwide figures put the total number detained at nearly 1,800.
He said federal police were supporting local forces and warned that all necessary measures would be taken to restore order. The violence against law enforcement and serious damage to the city are not justifiable,” he said. “I have great respect for the thousands of people who today demonstrated peacefully, including those who took part in the mobilisation called by the CGIL, which also saw the participation of left-wing leaders,” she said. “Whatever the ideas for which one demonstrates, participation is the foundation of any healthy democracy. ” One demonstrator died after suffering a cardiac arrest during protests in Paris. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said the government would not be intimidated by violence, blaming the unrest on the “ultra-left” and criminals. Economy Minister Roland Lescure promised support for businesses affected by the destruction and said those responsible would be held accountable.
Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse crowds as demonstrators clashed with security forces, looted shops and set property on fire. Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin condemned the violence in Brussels, describing it as an organised attempt to destabilise society. In Italy, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also condemned the violence after demonstrations in Milan descended into clashes, detentions and property destruction. Milan’s centre-left mayor, Giuseppe Sala, acknowledged the concerns behind the demonstrations but condemned the destruction. “The reasons for the protests were understandable. Meloni also drew a distinction between peaceful protesters and those involved in violence during nationwide rallies.
Violent protests over rising living costs and public services spread beyond France into neighbouring Belgium and Italy on Saturday.