Reuters
France saw some of the worst unrest in years at the weekend as huge protests across the country over the cost of living and underfunded public services descended into riots and looting.
Limoges town hall was torched and more than 3,000 shops were pillaged or damaged, according to the government, as violent groups clashed with police in cities across the country.
While mayors of France's biggest cities demanded answers from the government on Monday over what they say was a lack of preparation, authorities rushed to set up support measures for impacted businesses and bolster security as calm returned to the streets.
Here is the latest on the situation in France:
WHAT WILL THE GOVERNMENT DO TO QUELL THE VIOLENCE, COMPENSATE VICTIMS?
Some 2,400 people were arrested during the weekend and police investigators are poring over online videos and images to track down looters. Partial curfews are being organised in some municipalities while the government has said it will increase police numbers on the ground, especially for next weekend if it sees renewed protests. It has not specified how many extra officers will be made available.
For businesses and victims of the violence, the government is putting in place state-financed furlough measures to help employers avoid layoffs, and funds are being set aside to help companies meet their immediate cashflow needs. The government has yet to provide full details of the funding or how the money will be distributed. Insurers are also expected to cover some of the damage.
HOW WILL THE GOVERNMENT ADDRESS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE COST OF LIVING AND PUBLIC SERVICES?
France's extremely strained public finances mean the government has precious little room for broader measures to address protesters' anger over the rising cost of living.
It has already hiked emergency spending this year to help certain sectors like farmers, fishermen and haulers cope with high fuel costs caused by the Iran war.
The protests in France began last month at high schools in Paris' working-class northern suburbs, where anger over teacher shortages and shabby facilities evolved into a broader movement.
The government has so far not committed to a substantial increase in funding for schools. However, it has pledged to send some 3,000 teachers, who are fully qualified but have not yet started work, to fill staffing gaps.
WILL PROTESTS ESCALATE OR HAVE THEY PEAKED?
Some protesters have already called for a new round of demonstrations on Saturday, October 24. Unions have called for strikes on November 5 to protest budget cuts and support hiking wages.
Limoges town hall was torched and more than 3,000 shops were pillaged or damaged, according to the government, as violent groups clashed with police in cities across the country.
While mayors of France's biggest cities demanded answers from the government on Monday over what they say was a lack of preparation, authorities rushed to set up support measures for impacted businesses and bolster security as calm returned to the streets.
Here is the latest on the situation in France:
WHAT WILL THE GOVERNMENT DO TO QUELL THE VIOLENCE, COMPENSATE VICTIMS?
Some 2,400 people were arrested during the weekend and police investigators are poring over online videos and images to track down looters. Partial curfews are being organised in some municipalities while the government has said it will increase police numbers on the ground, especially for next weekend if it sees renewed protests. It has not specified how many extra officers will be made available.
For businesses and victims of the violence, the government is putting in place state-financed furlough measures to help employers avoid layoffs, and funds are being set aside to help companies meet their immediate cashflow needs. The government has yet to provide full details of the funding or how the money will be distributed. Insurers are also expected to cover some of the damage.
HOW WILL THE GOVERNMENT ADDRESS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE COST OF LIVING AND PUBLIC SERVICES?
France's extremely strained public finances mean the government has precious little room for broader measures to address protesters' anger over the rising cost of living.
It has already hiked emergency spending this year to help certain sectors like farmers, fishermen and haulers cope with high fuel costs caused by the Iran war.
The protests in France began last month at high schools in Paris' working-class northern suburbs, where anger over teacher shortages and shabby facilities evolved into a broader movement.
The government has so far not committed to a substantial increase in funding for schools. However, it has pledged to send some 3,000 teachers, who are fully qualified but have not yet started work, to fill staffing gaps.
WILL PROTESTS ESCALATE OR HAVE THEY PEAKED?
Some protesters have already called for a new round of demonstrations on Saturday, October 24. Unions have called for strikes on November 5 to protest budget cuts and support hiking wages.
