France Rocked by Mass Protests, Riots and More Than 1,200 Arrests

France faced one of its most serious waves of unrest in decades yesterday (Saturday), after demonstrations over the cost of living and the deterioration of public services escalated into violent clashes. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said that 1,200 people had been arrested and more than 150 police officers injured. The Interior Ministry estimated that 550,000 people took part in the demonstrations, while the CGT trade union put the number at 800,000.

In Paris, police clashed with masked protesters who threw stones and fireworks. Officers responded with tear gas and water cannons, while rioters set vehicles and garbage bins on fire, vandalized banks, and looted stores. Hundreds attempted to reach the Champs-Élysées but were stopped. Deputy Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire said that “entire streets were destroyed.”

The violence spread to other cities. In Limoges, the 143-year-old city hall was set on fire and parts of the building collapsed. In Marseille, black-clad protesters broke into city hall and sprayed graffiti. In Lyon, the tourist office was set ablaze, while in Lille, protesters broke into city hall. A police facility was attacked in Bordeaux, and stores were looted in Nice, Marseille, and Lille. In Saint-Étienne, a protester lost a hand after a police stun grenade exploded, reportedly after he tried to pick it up.

Macron and Lecornu Condemn the Violence

The police oversight body is examining at least 24 complaints of police violence. Meanwhile, the UNSA police union released footage showing police vehicles being attacked with clubs and bricks, warning: “Our colleagues are being used as punching bags.”

In response to the riots, French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X: “There is no place for violence in our Republic. Those who broke in, attacked government offices as well as shops, looted and even targeted our city halls will be arrested and punished.”

Prime Minister Lecornu blamed the far left and criminal elements for the unrest. “To those who clearly want to use this violence as a ‘warm-up’ for the presidential election, I say very clearly: we will not be intimidated. No one will impose their political agenda through violence.”