Why Are Protests in France Turning Into Riots Over Austerity?

France is seeing major protests and riots over austerity. The strikes started last month over high school teacher shortages and crumbling schools. Within two weeks, a thousand French schools saw similar protests. Eight unions joined, and people went on strike on September 29th. Civil service pay is up only 5% since 2017, while prices have risen 20%. Some protests have turned into full-scale riots, with 2,000 arrests and 305 police officers injured. The government is blaming the far left.

France's 10-year bond has topped 5%, which the hosts set next to the United States 30-year. The hosts say the unrest will bear on elections in April 2027. The odds cited on the show put Marine Le Pen as the favorite to be France's next president, at 43%.