French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has visited Limoges under heavy police security following a fire that severely damaged the city’s historic town hall during protests on October 17....
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has visited Limoges under heavy police security following a fire that severely damaged the city’s historic town hall during protests on October 17.
Lecornu arrived in the city on Friday evening, October 23, to meet Limoges Mayor Guillaume Guérin and police officers who were on duty during the incident.
Footage showed the prime minister’s motorcade arriving near the damaged building as security personnel blocked roads, redirected traffic and guarded key intersections.
Police vehicles and barriers were deployed to restrict access to the area.
The fire engulfed the town hall’s clock tower and parts of its roof before sections of the structure collapsed, leaving the historic landmark in need of extensive reconstruction.
Guérin has called for financial support from the national government to help restore the building.
The blaze occurred amid nationwide demonstrations on October 17 over the rising cost of living and deteriorating public services, including concerns about school conditions and education funding.
French authorities have reportedly arrested a 34-year-old man suspected of involvement in the fire.
His identity has not been publicly disclosed, and the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
Lecornu’s visit comes as France faces renewed protests, with authorities stepping up security measures following reports of clashes with police, looting and damage to public and private property.
The destruction of the Limoges town hall has become one of the most striking examples of the damage reported during the unrest, raising concerns about the protection of public institutions and historic landmarks amid mounting social tensions.