Event: Europe

For weeks, hundreds of thousands of people, mostly young, have engaged in protests that have only increased in size and scope. What started off as a demonstration over the poor state of high schools has expanded to a general frustration, even anger, over how challenging and expensive life has become.In the backdrop is a daunting fiscal deficit, one of the biggest in Europe, and political candidates from across the spectrum claiming to have the answers ahead of presidential elections in six months' time.In the middle is a centrist government, which is short on solutions, a majority in the National Assembly and time. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu visited Limoges on Friday evening.Officials have banned demonstrations in various cities and promised to boost police numbers over the weekend to avoid a repeat of the rioting. That includes in Limoges, where overnight curfews have been announced, along with a limit on gatherings to 10 people in the centre.Proud as the French are of their politics being rooted in street demonstrations, many in Limoges felt the town hall's destruction went far beyond the parameters of reasonable protest. But not everyone.Whether the destruction of Limoges town hall changes the course and tone of an increasingly polarised political debate depends on who you ask."Of course it was really sad, it's a symbol of the republic, but what is more important: a town hall or people living in poverty?" asks Alexander, 24.It is student night at the Lord John pub, and Alexander is one of several wearing a faluche, a colourful, traditional French student beret. Many chatting under the mist from their vapes took part in the demonstrations last weekend.I ask Alexander whether the widespread looting and fires seen last weekend, with €500,000 (£420,000) of reported damage in Limoges, helped his argument?"For some people it's a catastrophe…