Protests Across France Turn Violent, With More Than 1,200 Arrested
Demonstrations over school conditions and the rising cost of living spread across France on Saturday. The marches drew an estimated 550,000 people, but fires, looting, and clashes with police broke out in several cities. More than 1,200 people were arrested, and 150 police officers were hurt, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said.
Fires and Clashes in Paris
The main march in Paris appeared mostly peaceful during the afternoon. Some young people at the demonstration said they wanted change and did not support violence. As evening came, however, some groups started fires in the streets and set vehicles alight, including near Place de la République in the city center.
Shops were broken into and looted. At least one restaurant was badly damaged by fire, and fighting broke out among some people in the crowd. Riot police used tear gas and water cannons. Officers also charged at a group in central Paris and struck several people with batons.
Damage was reported in other parts of the country as well. City halls and businesses were targeted in several places. Clothing and food shops were raided in Paris, and a store selling electronic devices in Lille was broken into and emptied.
Fires Damage Historic Buildings
In Limoges, a large fire at the town hall caused part of the roof to collapse. Fire crews worked to put out the blaze. In Lyon, the city’s tourist office was set on fire. Mayor Grégory Doucet called the damage a tragedy, saying the building was a well-known historic place.
Police in Lyon said people at the scene made it unsafe for firefighters to tackle the blaze. Fires and damage were also reported in Grenoble, Avignon, Pau, Montpellier, and Valence.
In Saint-Étienne, a small explosive badly injured a young man, who lost a hand. Mayor Régis Juanico said the incident was a tragedy that should never have happened.
A tourist train was driven along a narrow street in central Grenoble by masked people, heading toward at least three riot police officers.
Students and Other Groups Join In
Students have been protesting in recent weeks over staff shortages and poor conditions in secondary schools for students ages 15 to 18. Trade union members and other protest groups joined them, adding to the crowds.
Among the groups taking part were members of the yellow vest movement. That movement began with protests over higher living costs and continued for more than a year, becoming one of the longest-running protest movements in French history.
The government said some masked people carried out planned acts of violence. Incidents were reported in parts of Paris as well as in Marseille, Rennes, Toulouse, and Angers.
Political Tensions Add to Uncertainty
The unrest comes as France faces a period of political uncertainty. President Emmanuel Macron is due to leave office next year. Polls suggest the next presidential election could become a contest between Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally, and Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who leads the left-wing La France Insoumise party.
Mélenchon took part in demonstrations and accused police of using force against protesters. He also spoke out against looting and arson. Lecornu called Mélenchon’s comments dangerous and cynical.
Lecornu said police faced extremely intense violence. He warned that some groups might be using the protests to prepare for the presidential election, adding that no one should use violence to push a political agenda.
Le Pen said protesters had raised legitimate concerns, but accused the far left of taking control of those demands. She also said Mélenchon had helped fuel the violence.