Massive damage and growing tension: France fears another violent weekend

France fears another violent weekend following the riots on October 17. The damage from the riots is expected to exceed 1.2 billion euros, and about 3,000 businesses have been affected. Courts are handing down lenient sentences to those involved in looting and violence. Government bond yields have reached a peak of more than two decades.

France fears another violent weekend, following the riots that broke out on October 17 and caused severe damage. The damage from the riots to insurers is expected to exceed 1.2 billion euros, and about 3,000 businesses have been affected. French courts are handing down lenient sentences to those involved in looting and violence, with many cases resulting in suspended sentences or community service, even against defendants captured on security cameras. Ten-year government bond yields crossed the 5% threshold for the first time since 2002. The government attempted to negotiate with trade unions but without agreement. Polls show a 1% increase in support for far-right candidate Marine Le Pen, who used the crisis to accuse President Macron of descending into "chaos." Macron, who is on a visit to Saudi Arabia, lashed out at "stupid remarks" by foreign leaders. Business owners in Paris are barricading themselves and removing goods from their stores ahead of the weekend, saying they no longer trust the police.