Disorder of magnitude: France’s riots

French unrest ahead of elections and Zimbabwe's tobacco-driven farm revival both hinge on unresolved governance and property-rights questions.

• Riots spread nationwide: Student protests over several weeks escalated into weekend looting, arson and clashes in Paris, Lyon and Marseille, with a bust of Marianne toppled at Marseille's town hall.
• Three distinct crowds: Sophie Pedder distinguishes peaceful students, masked "casseurs" (troublemakers) who infiltrate protests, and opportunistic teenage looters who hit stores like Decathlon.

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