In recent days, a wave of large-scale demonstrations has erupted in several European countries, with France and Italy experiencing a drastic escalation over the weekend, turning into the most serious riots and looting events in recent years.
According to a report by Reuters on Monday (October 19), given the severe security situation, more than ten countries globally have issued safety precautions and travel warnings for their citizens traveling to France and related areas.
The main cause of the widespread protests is attributed to high prices, low wages, and the deterioration of public services, with tens of thousands of people in France responding to the call of trade unions and student organizations to take to the streets. As some radical elements infiltrated the procession, the demonstrations escalated into riots in multiple cities.
Based on an investigative report published by Fox News Digital, there exists a political ecosystem behind the riots fueled by communist organizations, leftist revolutionary groups, and a network of global extremists.
Luxury stores such as Hermès, Apple, and Lacoste in Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and other cities were targeted for looting over the weekend, while the City Hall in Limoges was set on fire, and the Marseille police station was damaged.
As reported by The Guardian on Monday, over 2,400 people have been arrested across France, with nearly a thousand police officers and firefighters injured. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and President Emmanuel Macron have strongly condemned the violence and vowed to punish the perpetrators.
The unrest has spilled over into neighboring Italy. Intense clashes erupted over the weekend in northern cities such as Milan, Bologna, and Turin. Stores like Foot Locker, Nike, Decathlon, Arc’teryx, and Vodafone were looted in Milan.
Luxury retailers in Milan’s Via Montenapoleone shopping district, which houses brands like Chanel, Tiffany, and Dior, closed early on Monday, cleared their displays, and reinforced their window displays with cardboard and plywood.
Following the riots on Sunday, Milan’s police detained 271 people in a single day (most of them minors) and formally arrested 32 individuals. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called an emergency security meeting on Monday to propose extending preventive detention for minors and expedite the passage of a public safety bill to crackdown on youth gangs.
In response to the deteriorating security situation in France and surrounding regions, several foreign ministries globally updated their overseas safety precautions on Monday:
– **United States**: Issued a Demonstration Alert, maintaining an “exercise increased caution” level with a warning that protests can escalate into riots. Advised to stay away from crowds and be ready to adjust travel plans or take shelter as needed.
– **United Kingdom**: Noted that traffic disruptions and deteriorating security in cities like Paris and Marseille and advised citizens to avoid all gatherings and follow police instructions.
– **Germany**: Warned of possible continued unrest in the coming days and reminded citizens that failure to leave illegal gatherings as instructed by the police may result in fines or damages.
– **Japan**: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued safety information advising Japanese citizens in France to avoid downtown areas and high-conflict zones at night.
– **Canada/Australia**: Advised citizens to “exercise a high degree of caution” and avoid crossing protest areas or filming conflict scenes to prevent exposure to tear gas and water cannons.
– **Italy/Czech Republic/Poland/Netherlands/Nordic countries**: Urged their citizens in France to register their whereabouts on official platforms and avoid participating in demonstrations or large public gatherings.
– **Malaysia**: Recommended citizens to consider postponing non-essential travel to France until the situation stabilizes.