Fresh clashes erupted in Paris on Sunday following one of France’s worst periods of unrest in years, as demonstrations over rising living costs and declining public services turned violent across the country.More than 2,000 people were arrested, over 600 police officers were injured, and one demonstrator died after suffering a cardiac arrest, according to the interior minister. Violence on Saturday saw shops looted, public buildings vandalised and vehicles set ablaze. In Limoges, an arson attack largely destroyed the city’s 143-year-old town hall, while hundreds of businesses were damaged nationwide. Carrefour chief executive Alexandre Bompard said 50 of the retailer’s stores were affected, including 20 that were looted. The unrest has intensified pressure on President Emmanuel Macron ahead of next year’s presidential election. The protests began last month over school conditions and teacher shortages before expanding into wider anger over inequality, spending cuts and the cost of living. Macron was scheduled to address the nation on Sunday evening as authorities worked to restore order and support affected businesses.
