French Bond Yields Pass 5% and Some Protests Banned After Weekend of Looting and Clashes

French bond yields rose above 5 percent, their highest level since 2002, after a weekend of widespread protests, clashes and looting in France that was described as the country's most violent unrest in years. Authorities in multiple French cities banned some protests, including student demonstrations, planned across the country for Thursday. The rise in yields is a sign that investors are losing confidence in France's finances as the government grapples with budget and debt problems. The unrest has involved looting and property destruction, and commentators describe the violent protests as ongoing.

Left-leaning outlets had not reported this story at the time of writing, while right-leaning and alternative/independent outlets had. Right-leaning Newsmax led with the official response, the bans on Thursday's planned protests, after the weekend's looting and clashes. Among alternative sources, France 24 focused on the financial fallout, citing bond yields and investor confidence, while Reason featured a discussion between its senior editor Robby Soave and Daily Caller editor in chief Amber Duke about looting and property destruction. All three describe a violent weekend; they differ mainly in emphasis.