France protests have resulted in at least 1,800 arrests after violent clashes, fires and widespread looting disrupted nationwide demonstrations against rising living costs and poor conditions in schools.
According to the Associated Press, around 550,000 people joined Saturday’s demonstrations, based on official figures. Organisers estimated attendance at approximately 800,000.
More than 500 police officers, gendarmes and firefighters were injured, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said.
The demonstrations took place across several major cities, including Paris, Marseille, Lyon and Bordeaux.
France protests leave hundreds of businesses damaged
Violence erupted as masked groups clashed with police, damaged public buildings and looted businesses.
In Paris, police used tear gas and water cannons against groups throwing fireworks and other objects near Place de la République.
By Sunday morning, broken glass, damaged storefronts and displaced paving stones remained visible around the square, AP reported.
Paris police confirmed 855 arrests in the capital region alone. Prosecutors said 557 people remained in police custody.
Meanwhile, businesses across several French cities suffered extensive damage.
Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire announced an emergency support unit to help affected businesses assess their losses.
Historic city hall damaged by fire
Some of the most serious destruction occurred in Limoges, central France.
According to AP, a fire engulfed the city’s 19th-century City Hall, causing its roof to collapse.
Haute-Vienne prefect Maurice Barate told LCI television that the blaze was deliberately started and nearly destroyed the historic building.
Firefighters brought the blaze under control by Sunday.
Elsewhere, protesters briefly entered the lobby of Marseille’s City Hall, while masked individuals damaged a police station.
In Lyon, a fire broke out inside a tourist office.
One death reported as injuries exceed 500
Paris police confirmed that one person died of a heart attack during the unrest.
However, authorities did not provide further details about the circumstances. Prosecutors opened an investigation, according to AP.
Interior Minister Nuñez reported that more than 500 police officers, gendarmes and firefighters were injured nationwide.
Authorities also reported extensive property damage, including the looting of hundreds of businesses.
Macron prepares emergency meeting over France protests
President Emmanuel Macron was scheduled to hold an emergency meeting with senior government officials on Sunday afternoon.
His office also announced plans for a televised national address at 8 p.m., AP reported.
Meanwhile, political leaders exchanged criticism over the violence.
Far-right leader Marine Le Pen condemned the destruction and criticised far-left politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who attended the Paris demonstration.
Mélenchon rejected the looting and destruction while accusing the government of worsening tensions.
The unrest comes ahead of France’s presidential election next year.
Rising living costs fuel nationwide demonstrations
The protests brought together demonstrators concerned about purchasing power, rising living costs and conditions in French schools.
However, violence and looting overshadowed demonstrations in several cities.
French authorities attributed some of the violence to radical far-left groups and individuals taking advantage of the unrest to steal, according to AP.
The mayors of Paris, Marseille and Lyon requested talks with the prime minister over the damage and security situation.
France now faces the challenge of addressing public grievances while responding to the destruction caused during the demonstrations.