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Protests set France on fire: Iconic Town Hall destroyed, shops looted, clashes with cops | Visuals
Protests over rising living costs and fuel prices turned violent across France, with looting, clashes and a historic town hall fire.
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France witnessed one of its worst bouts of unrest in years after demonstrations against rising living costs and declining public services turned violent in several cities. More than half a million people joined marches on Saturday, October 17, while violent groups targeted public buildings, looted shops and clashed with police. The historic town hall in Limoges was largely destroyed in a fire, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to appeal for calm.
Demonstrations in Paris turned violent as groups of protesters clashed with police. Officers fired tear gas as tensions escalated, while some demonstrators wore masks, goggles and hoodies during confrontations.
Fires were reported in several cities as the protests escalated. In Paris, burning objects were seen on streets near Place de la République, while authorities faced the challenge of containing the unrest and protecting public property.
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Businesses across several French cities were damaged or looted during the unrest. Supermarkets, pharmacies, clothing stores and luxury boutiques were among the establishments targeted, adding to the destruction reported during the demonstrations.
The historic town hall in Limoges suffered extensive damage after a fire broke out during Saturday's unrest. The 19th-century building's roof collapsed onto its lower floors, while its clock tower fell in a blaze that revived memories of the 2019 fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.
People gathered near the fire-ravaged town hall as specialists assessed the damage. Local officials described the destruction of the historic building as a major loss to the city's heritage.
Police patrolled affected areas as France began assessing the aftermath of the demonstrations. Authorities reported thousands of arrests, while a major clean-up operation got underway in cities hit by vandalism and looting.
President Emmanuel Macron called for calm following the unrest, distinguishing between people protesting peacefully and those responsible for violence and destruction. He said the government would take action to protect public buildings and local businesses.
