Riots in France, Political Drama in Australia: Monday's Top Stories

Major news stories are breaking around the world this Monday, October 19. In France, more than half a million people took to the streets over the weekend to protest rising costs and poor school conditions. The rallies turned violent, with rioters setting fire to cars and buildings. Back in Australia, a Greens senator is denying claims he has stepped away from his party while it investigates him.

French President Emmanuel Macron spoke to the nation in an emergency address on Sunday night. He condemned the rioting and looting that had broken out after the large peaceful protests. Political leaders argued over whether the national government had done enough to stop the destruction. One historic town hall in the city of Limoges was largely burned down by masked rioters.

The protests in France began last month. French teachers and students spoke out against underfunded public schools, staff shortages, and dirty classroom conditions. The movement grew as more people joined in over concerns about the rising cost of living. Experts say there is no evidence that migrants drove the protests, despite claims made by some politicians.

In Australia, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson blamed the French unrest on mass migration. She claimed that similar riots could happen in Australia if the government kept bringing in people who rejected Australian values. However, fact-checkers and reporters found no link between migrants and the protests in France. The rallies were started by teachers and students upset about school conditions and the economy.

Australian Greens senator Jordon Steele-John is also in the news. He says members within his own party have been spreading rumours about him for political reasons. Greens leader David Shoebridge said Steele-John would not be in parliament while a party investigation was ongoing. But Steele-John denied this, saying he had not taken any leave from the party.

There are also concerns about Australia's economy. The Reserve Bank is worried that the ongoing war in the Middle East could push oil prices higher. Higher oil prices can lead to higher inflation, which means everyday things cost more. To fight inflation, the bank may raise interest rates, making it more expensive to borrow money.

Finally, voters in Israel will head to the polls on October 27. The latest polls show supporters and opponents of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are nearly equal in numbers. US President Donald Trump posted a glowing message on social media endorsing Netanyahu. Trump urged Israeli voters to support Netanyahu when they cast their ballots next week.