French authorities have arrested about 1,200 people following demonstrations over the rising cost of living that descended into violence, leaving 150 police officers injured and causing widespread damage to public and private property.
France’s Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, disclosed the figures on Saturday as authorities grappled with the aftermath of the unrest across the country.
In Limoges, a major fire at the town hall caused part of the building’s roof to collapse. Other buildings were reportedly set ablaze in Paris and several locations.
The violence also spread to the streets of the French capital, where protesters set fires and torched vehicles around Place de la République, a prominent landmark in central Paris.
Looting And Clashes In Paris
The demonstrations were accompanied by scenes of looting and vandalism, particularly in Paris.
Groups of masked men dressed in black hoodies reportedly smashed shop windows and forced open metal shutters before stealing goods, including cigarettes, sunglasses, clothing, jewellery and food.
Police responded with tear gas and water cannon as some protesters threw projectiles and set off fireworks.
Lecornu condemned the violence, describing the unrest as being of “extreme intensity”.
Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire also criticised the destruction, saying entire streets in the capital had been devastated. He described the damage to property as unacceptable.
Hundreds Of Thousands Join Demonstrations
The protests drew large crowds across France as demonstrators expressed frustration over the rising cost of living.
The unrest followed weeks of student protests and unfolded amid political uncertainty, with the country’s presidential election six months away, according to the report.
France’s Interior Ministry estimated that 550,000 people took part in demonstrations nationwide. However, the CGT trade union, which participated in the protests, put the total turnout at 800,000.
The differing figures reflect the gap between the government’s estimate and that provided by the participating labour organisation.
Authorities Face Pressure After Widespread Destruction
The scale of the violence has raised concerns over public safety, damage to businesses and the pressure facing security agencies as they respond to the demonstrations.
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With 1,200 arrests reported and dozens of incidents involving fires and vandalism, authorities are confronting the challenge of addressing public discontent while preventing further violence.
The demonstrations have brought the cost of living back into focus as a major public concern, while the damage recorded in Paris, Limoges and other areas has prompted strong condemnation from government officials.