Violent clashes broke out across several European countries over the weekend as large-scale protests over the cost of living escalated into riots, looting, and arson in major cities.

In France, more than 550,000 people joined demonstrations on Saturday against surging living costs, fuel prices, and deteriorating public services, according to the Interior Ministry. While many marched peacefully, fringe groups clashed with police, looted stores, and set fires. A historic 19th-century city hall in Limoges was largely destroyed by flames, and public buildings in Marseille, Lille, Lyon, and Bordeaux were vandalized. Authorities reported over 2,400 arrests and hundreds of police officers injured nationwide.

Similar unrest unfolded in Italy, where masked rioters in Milan, Turin, and Bologna threw stones at officers, set barricades ablaze, and looted shops. Police in Milan arrested 271 people, many of them minors, and reported 14 officers injured. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence and deployed additional security forces.

Tens of thousands protested in Lisbon and Porto, Portugal, over low wages and a housing crisis that has seen prices more than double since 2015. Spain saw ongoing tent encampments in city squares protesting unaffordable rents. Demonstrations also occurred in Belgium, Greece, and Albania, with some turning confrontational.

The unrest coincides with eurozone inflation rising to 3.8 percent in September, driven by energy prices up nearly 19 percent year-over-year. Food prices across the EU have climbed 34 percent since 2021. Governments face mounting pressure ahead of elections next year, with fiscal challenges limiting responses to household budget strains.

French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to prosecute those responsible for the destruction while acknowledging legitimate grievances. Officials across the continent have increased security deployments to prevent further escalation.