Violence erupted on the streets of Biarritz today as protesters clashed with police ahead of the G7 summit. Riot officers fired tear gas to disperse crowds, with the sound of sirens and shouting echoing through the normally quiet seaside town. For those who live here, the summit's arrival has brought disruption and fear.
The French government has mobilised thousands of extra officers, but the sight of burning barricades and masked activists raises questions about security and the right to dissent. This is a story about global power and local anger. The G7 leaders may talk about the economy and climate change, but on the ground, people are saying their voices have been ignored.
Real wages have stagnated, the cost of living is up, and many feel left behind in a world of summit deals and corporate tax breaks. Today's clashes are not just about security. They are a warning from the kitchen table to the conference table.
