Historic Limoges City Hall was engulfed by fire on Saturday amid weeks-long widespread protests over education reforms rocking France.
The building was inaugurated in 1883, about 143 years ago, and had survived the world wars before going up in flames as protests turned violent amid a clampdown on demonstrators.
A video showing a bell tower on the hall collapsing as fire ravaged the 143-year-old monument during the protests emerged on the internet, sparking reactions.
Maurice Barate, the local prefect of Haute-Vienne, said, “The roof has collapsed onto lower floors, except the west wing, and two-thirds of the exterior has already disappeared.”
The local prefect condemned the damage to the 143-year-old building, describing it as a “catastrophe for heritage” caused by a “deliberate act by hooligans.”
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the torching of Limoges City Hall, vowing that those behind the violence would be arrested and prosecuted.
“No room for violence in our Republic.
“Those who have broken, attacked the prefectures as well as businesses, looted even our town halls, will be prosecuted and punished,” Mr Macron said on X.
The French president added, “To the law enforcement forces, guarantors of the right to demonstrate, I express the support of the Nation. We will all stand united against the sowers of chaos, who seek only to bring down our institutions and prevent those who peacefully express their demands from doing so.”
JD Vance, Vice President of the U.S., said on X, “Western liberals imported the third world into France and other countries in the name of diversity and compassion. They ignored fundamental questions of assimilation and compatibility. They were told it would lead to this and they didn’t listen.”
“And I hope Americans are paying attention. This is the future congressional Democrats seek for your country,” he added.
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