Chaos, loot and fire as France burns amidst widespread unrest
France witnessed widespread destruction, looting and clashes with police as nationwide protests over the rising cost of living and poor conditions in schools escalated into violence, leaving businesses damaged and public buildings in flames.
President Emmanuel Macron has vowed legal action against rioters while announcing measures to address public grievances.The scale of the unrest was visible in Paris on Sunday, where shattered shopfronts, broken glass and dislodged cobblestones littered the area around Place de la République. Videos across social media sites also showed damage and looting in other shopping and tourist districts.Authorities estimated that around 5,50,000 people took part in Saturday’s demonstrations, while organisers put the turnout at 8,00,000.
The protests were backed by labour unions, student organisations and activists seeking to revive the “yellow vest” movement, which emerged in 2018 over social injustice.
Macron vows action as arrests mount
In a televised address, Macron acknowledged the public’s “anger” and “shame” over the unrest, while drawing a distinction between peaceful demonstrators and those involved in violence.“Those who looted will have to pay for the damage, and those who sought to bring down the Republic will be held accountable,” Macron said.
He also condemned what he described as “unrestrained violence” by “insurrectionist elements from radical far-left groups, joined by numerous criminals.”Social media has been flooded with viral videos of burning buildings, smashed storefronts and clashes, with users declaring “France has fallen” and warning that the country is on the brink.At least 2,400 people were arrested, according news agency AP. Macron said he had instructed prefects to work with mayors to protect public buildings and businesses, including by banning protests where necessary.
City halls set ablaze, businesses looted
In Limoges, flames engulfed the 19th-century City Hall on Saturday, causing its roof to collapse and nearly destroying the building. Haute-Vienne prefect Maurice Barate said “radical troublemakers” had broken in while officials, employees, security personnel and members of the public were inside.“They deliberately set the building on fire. It is an extremely serious and unspeakable act,” Barate said.In Marseille, protesters briefly entered the City Hall lobby, while a group damaged a police station.
In Lyon, a fire broke out inside a tourist office.Paris mayor Emmanuel Grégoire described the damage as “considerable and unprecedented”, while stressing that the capital must remain a place where people can demonstrate and businesses can operate safely.
Political blame and economic concerns
The unrest has also fuelled political tensions ahead of next spring’s presidential election. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen criticised Macron’s government, while left-wing leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon condemned looting and destruction.US president Donald Trump posted “France is burning!” on Truth Social, blaming immigration fro the protets and called on the country to “Close your Borders and take control, before it is too late!” French authorities have not linked immigrants to the rioting.
The unrest also weighed on the euro in Asian trading on Monday. The currency fell 0.1% to $1.1225, while the dollar index held at 101.83, Reuters reported.