Thousands protest in New Zealand against COVID-19 rules

13 Sept 05:12 Key points summarised by AI

Thousands of New Zealanders protested outside parliament in Wellington against COVID-19 vaccine mandates and government lockdowns.
Protesters carried signs demanding "Freedom" and an end to compulsory vaccinations and restrictions, leading to heightened security at the Beehive.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern dismissed the protest as unrepresentative, despite facing growing pressure to ease pandemic measures ahead of the Christmas holidays.
The protests come as New Zealand shifts its strategy from COVID-19 elimination to living with the virus, requiring vaccinations for health and education sectors.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

19 Oct 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.