Violence erupted across France on Saturday, on the final day of mass protests against school shortages and the cost of living. At least 1,200 people were arrested, while around 550,000 took to the streets, in what the French government described as an “escalation of violence”. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said 150 police officers were injured during the unrest.
In Paris, there were heavy clashes with riot police, who used tear gas and water cannons. Buildings were set on fire in the capital and other areas, including Limoges, where a large fire at the city hall caused the partial collapse of its roof. Looting occurred in several cities, with widespread vandalism targeting town halls and businesses. Shops were ransacked, a restaurant was destroyed by fire, and vehicles were burned in iconic locations such as Place de la République.
In Lyon, mayor Grégory Doucet called the burning of the tourist office “a tragedy”, stressing that it was an iconic historic building. Local police reported that “hostile individuals” obstructed firefighters. In Saint-Étienne, a young man “had his hand blown off by a grenade”, according to mayor Régis Juanico. The Interior Ministry said the protests included “targeted acts of violence” by “hooded individuals” in several areas, including parts of the capital, Marseille, Rennes, Toulouse and Angers. Damage to buildings was reported across France, including in Grenoble, Avignon, Pau, Montpellier and Valence.
Hundreds of thousands of students have protested in recent weeks over staff shortages and run-down conditions in secondary schools. On Saturday, their numbers were swelled by trade union members and other protest groups, including the “yellow vests” (gilets jaunes) movement, which has demonstrated against rising living costs since 2018. The wave of protests comes at a time of deep political uncertainty, as France approaches next year’s presidential election.
President Emmanuel Macron will leave office next year, and polls suggest the April election could be a battle between Marine Le Pen of the National Rally and Jean-Luc Mélenchon of the far-left party La France Insoumise. Mélenchon took part in demonstrations and accused the police of “unleashing” violence, while condemning the looting and arson. Prime Minister Lecornu described his comments as “dangerous and cynical”, adding that some groups were using the protests as a “warm-up” for the presidential election. Le Pen accused Mélenchon of inciting violence. President Macron pledged that those who caused damage and looted would be prosecuted. Despite promises of concessions, the protests have continued and intensified.
Source: BBC News