Historic Limoges Town Hall Largely Destroyed in French Unrest

A historic building in Limoges, France, has been significantly damaged after far-left rioters set it ablaze during ongoing protests against the cost of living. The Limoges Town Hall, constructed in 1883 and designated a historic landmark in 1975, suffered extensive damage, with its roof collapsing and two-thirds of its exterior reportedly destroyed.

Maurice Barate, the local prefect, described the incident as "a deliberate act by hooligans" and a "catastrophe for heritage." The destruction occurred as anti-government protests, which have been ongoing for several weeks, entered their fourth week.

President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence, stating on social media that "There is no place for violence in our republic." He vowed that those responsible for breaking, attacking prefectures, looting businesses, and town halls would be prosecuted and punished. Macron also expressed support for law enforcement agencies and declared a unified stance against those he called "sowers of chaos."

According to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, approximately 400 arrests were made nationwide on Saturday. More than half a million people participated in over 100 marches across France. Masked groups also attempted to breach city halls in Lille and Calais, and a police station in Brest, with further violence reported in cities including Rennes, Toulouse, Montpellier, and Grenoble.

Nuñez attributed the unrest to "extremely violent, radical far-left groups." In Paris, police deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse violent groups in the Place de la République, where individuals reportedly threw fireworks and other objects at officers. The unrest has seen protests escalate into riots in several locations across the country.