French authorities on Monday banned gatherings and demonstrations in Marseille from noon to 8 p.m. local time following a weekend of protests and violent clashes in several European countries.

The ban was announced by the police prefecture of Bouches-du-Rhône in southern France in a post on X.

French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed legal action against those responsible for violence during Saturday’s demonstrations, saying people involved in damaging public property, attacking government offices and businesses, and looting town halls would face prosecution.

“Violence has no place in France,” Macron said in a post on X on Saturday, warning that those responsible for destruction and attacks would be held accountable.

The demonstrations were driven by public anger over rising living costs, a shortage of affordable housing and growing pressure on public services. Farmers, trade unions, climate activists and students joined protests across Europe, highlighting concerns over economic inequality and deteriorating living conditions.

Around 550,000 people took part in nationwide demonstrations in France on Saturday, according to figures cited in the report. Protesters demanded relief from high fuel prices and inflation and opposed cuts to public services.

The demonstrations escalated into clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers.

The French Interior Ministry reported that 997 police officers and gendarmes were injured, including seven who sustained serious injuries. Authorities arrested 2,397 people nationwide.

The Marseille restrictions come as officials seek to prevent further violence and damage following the unrest.

Italy also witnessed demonstrations over the rising cost of living, particularly in Milan, where hundreds of demonstrators dressed in black gathered at Piazza del Duomo.

Some protesters threw bottles and firecrackers at police, Italian news agency ANSA reported. At least four police officers and 20 protesters were injured, while around 50 demonstrators were detained.

In Brussels, clashes broke out between police and protesters demonstrating against education reforms and rising costs. Students and their supporters took part in the protest.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence, saying the right to demonstrate did not justify setting cities on fire.

She described those who exploited the protests to attack security personnel and disrupt cities as thugs, calling for a united rejection of such actions.

Portugal saw large rallies on Saturday, with tens of thousands of people gathering in Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra and other cities to demand affordable housing and measures to tackle the rising cost of living.

In Lisbon, protesters erected dozens of tents in the city’s central square and displayed banners calling for legislation to “ban vulture real estate funds”.

Demonstrators accused such funds of contributing to property speculation and chanted slogans including “Down with speculation” and “We want housing and jobs”.

The protests across Europe reflect mounting public frustration over the cost of living, housing affordability and access to essential public services, while the violence in several cities has prompted authorities to strengthen security measures and warn that those responsible for attacks and destruction will face legal consequences. (ILKHA)