The streets of Biarritz, where world leaders are gathering for the G7 summit, witnessed violent confrontations between French police and anti-capitalist demonstrators on Saturday. The clashes erupted after a protest march, initially peaceful, descended into chaos when a group of masked individuals began throwing projectiles at security forces. Police responded with tear gas and water cannons, dispersing the crowd.
Several arrests have been reported, and at least one protester was injured. The incident underscores the security challenges surrounding high-level diplomatic meetings in an era of heightened public discontent. The summit itself, focused on global economic and climate issues, proceeded as planned, but the violence served as a stark reminder of the divisions within Western societies.
French President Emmanuel Macron has emphasised the need for dialogue, but the scenes of confrontation may overshadow the summit's agenda.
