Paris, October 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Authorities in southern France have banned all gatherings and demonstrations across Marseille from noon to 8 p.m. local time on Monday amid tensions following violent protests across the country over the weekend.
The Bouches-du-Rhône police prefecture announced the restriction in a post on X, according to the report.
French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed legal action against those responsible for violence during Saturday’s protests, which were part of a wider wave of demonstrations across Europe over rising living costs, housing shortages and pressure on public services.
Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in major European cities over the weekend, expressing growing frustration over economic pressures and strained public services, Xinhua News Agency reported.
From violent clashes in France and Italy to large rallies in Portugal, the demonstrations highlighted mounting socio-economic tensions and public discontent across the continent.
Macron said on X on Saturday that violence had no place in France and warned that those responsible for destruction and attacks would face prosecution.
“Those who have engaged in destruction, attacked government offices and businesses, and even looted our town halls, will be prosecuted and punished,” he said.
Nationwide demonstrations in France on Saturday drew around 550,000 participants, according to the report. Farmers, trade unions, climate activists and students joined the protests, demanding relief from high fuel prices, inflation and cuts to public services.
The demonstrations were accompanied by violent clashes. According to the French Interior Ministry, 997 police officers and gendarmes were injured, including seven who were seriously hurt, while 2,397 people were arrested nationwide.
Protests over the rising cost of living also spread across northern Italy. In Milan, hundreds of black-clad demonstrators gathered at Piazza del Duomo and threw firecrackers and bottles at police. At least four police officers and 20 protesters were injured, while around 50 demonstrators were detained, Italian news agency ANSA reported.
In Brussels, the Belgian capital, clashes also broke out between police and protesters as students and their supporters demonstrated against education reforms and rising costs.
Meanwhile, tens of thousands of people took to the streets in Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra and other Portuguese cities on Saturday, demanding affordable housing and measures to address the rising cost of living.
Police said demonstrators pitched dozens of tents in Lisbon’s central square and carried banners calling for laws to “ban vulture real estate funds”, which they accused of driving property speculation. Protesters also chanted slogans including “Down with speculation” and “We want housing and jobs.”
Several European leaders condemned the violence and pledged action against those responsible for rioting.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni strongly criticised the unrest, writing on social media: “Demonstrating is a right. Setting our cities ablaze is not.”
Describing those who exploited the protests to cause chaos, attack security personnel and disrupt entire cities as thugs, Meloni called for a united response.
“Faced with scenes like these, the rejection must be unanimous. Any reticence amounts to justification. Silence is unacceptable,” she said.
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