Paris Police Arrest 855 Amid Violent Protests Over Cost of Living

Paris police reported 855 arrests in the French capital region following violent clashes and looting that occurred during a protest march Saturday. The demonstration, which drew an estimated 110,000 participants in Paris and around 550,000 nationwide, was organized to denounce rising living costs and poor school conditions.

Across France, the protests were marred by violent confrontations, fires, and looting. Authorities stated that groups of masked individuals targeted public buildings, including city halls and local government offices. In Paris, around Place de la République, the aftermath on Sunday morning included dislodged cobblestones, shattered storefronts, and broken glass, particularly in tourist and shopping areas. Police noted that by late afternoon, large numbers of people joined the unrest with the apparent intention to steal.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez suggested that radical far-left groups instigated some of the violence, with others joining later for looting. Lecornu emphasized that while peaceful demonstrations are a right, "arson, looting and attacks do not."

The mayors of Paris, Marseille, and Lyon have requested a meeting with the prime minister to discuss the extent of the damage and the seriousness of the situation.

Incidents were reported in other major cities as well. In Marseille, protesters briefly entered the lobby of City Hall, and a police station sustained damage. A fire broke out inside a tourist office in Lyon. In Limoges, the City Hall, a 19th-century building, was set ablaze, causing its roof to collapse. Authorities confirmed the fire was deliberate.

During the Paris protests, one person died of a heart attack, according to police. Thirteen police officers, two firefighters, and two gendarmes sustained injuries. The exact causes and circumstances of the reported medical emergencies and injuries were not immediately detailed.