EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
France faces a critical debt crisis and violent nationwide riots ahead of a high-stakes parliamentary budget vote, raising fears of economic ruin.
Nationwide protests over the high cost of living roiled France on Saturday, adding to turmoil over public spending and debt ahead of a critical vote in the National Assembly.
Rioting broke out in some cities as luxury boutiques and supermarkets were looted while public buildings were defaced and even set on fire.