France Reels From Riots After Nationwide Protests Turn Violent
Thousands arrested as demonstrations against cost of living and public services devolve into vandalism and looting across the country.
France faced widespread destruction on Sunday following a day of national protests that devolved into riots and looting. An estimated 1,800 people were arrested nationwide as demonstrations, initially focused on rising fuel prices, the cost of living, and deteriorating public services, saw outbreaks of violence and vandalism in Paris, Marseille, Lille, and other cities.
In Paris, protesters clashed with riot police, who deployed tear gas and water cannons. Groups set fire to cars and buildings, with at least one restaurant gutted. The smashed glass frontages of designer stores, including Ralph Lauren, Gucci, and Versace, lined the streets, while many shops were daubed with graffiti. Shopkeepers began the cleanup on Sunday morning amidst piles of debris.
In Marseille, protesters used a metal fence to break into the city hall. In Lille, a McDonald's was set on fire, and an Apple store was looted. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu reported that 150 police officers were injured during the unrest.
Student protests had drawn hundreds of thousands to the streets since late last month, highlighting demands for increased investment in schools, more teachers and staff, and improvements to overcrowded classrooms and run-down buildings. However, authorities noted that many involved in the vandalism and looting appeared to be taking advantage of the demonstrations rather than participating in the core protests.
Further incidents included the burning of Lyon's tourist office, described as a "tragedy" by Mayor Grégory Doucet, and a fire at Limoges town hall that caused part of the building to collapse. In Saint-Étienne, a young man lost a hand due to a small explosive device.
