Violence broke out across France on Saturday as demonstrations against school hardship and the cost of living escalated into clashes with police. At least 1,200 people were detained during what the French government described as an “escalation in violence,” while an estimated 550,000 took to the streets nationwide.
In Paris, riot police fired tear gas and deployed water cannons against crowds that gathered in the evening. Buildings were set ablaze in the capital and other cities, including a large fire that partially collapsed the roof of Limoges town hall. Looting and vandalism targeted city halls and businesses, and a restaurant in the city centre was gutted by fire.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said 150 police officers were injured in the unrest. In Lyon, Mayor Grégory Doucet called the burning of the city’s tourist office “a tragedy,” while local police reported that “hostile individuals” prevented firefighters from safely tackling the blaze. In Saint‑Étienne, a young man lost a hand when a small explosive detonated, according to Mayor Régis Juanico.
The unrest comes as France heads into a period of deep political uncertainty. President Emmanuel Macron will leave office next year, and the upcoming presidential election could pit Marine Le Pen against Jean‑Luc Mélenchon. Both leaders have condemned the violence, with Le Pen accusing the hard‑left of fuelling it and Macron vowing to prosecute those who looted town halls and businesses.
Education Minister Édouard Geffray has promised 3,000 extra supply teachers, but protests have continued and intensified. The government’s attempts at concessions have yet to quell the unrest.
Police and authorities remain on high alert as the situation evolves, with authorities warning that further violence could disrupt the forthcoming election campaign.
