Buildings set ablaze and more than 1,200 arrested as police clash with protesters across France
More than 1,200 people were arrested in France on Saturday after protesters supporting high school students clashed with police, with some demonstrations later spiralling out of control as buildings were set ablaze and shops looted. Police fired tear gas in confrontations with protesters, as demonstrations across France were boosted by other groups angry about high […]
France experienced widespread unrest on Sunday, with clashes between police and protesters, mass looting, and fires occurring across the country. The violence began during marches against rising living costs, which reportedly drew 550,000 and 800,000 participants respectively, according to the interior ministry and the CGT union.
French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu condemned the "extreme intensity" of the violence, while acknowledging that "it was a miracle the toll isn't higher." A total of 1,200 people were arrested, and 150 police officers sustained injuries. French President Emmanuel Macron vowed that those involved in vandalism, attacking administrative offices or businesses, or looting will be prosecuted and punished.
Opposition politicians seized on the chaos, with far-right candidate Marine Le Pen condemning the rioters and accusing her far-left rival of legitimizing the violence.
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