France erupts in violence: Nationwide clashes, fires and looting; 1,200 arrested
Paris: France woke up Sunday to devastated streets after clashes between police and protesters, mass looting and fires erupted nationwide as marches against rising costs of living degenerated into "extreme" violence. The widespread unrest followed weeks of student protests and comes just six months ahead of elections to replace President Emmanuel Macron. Whole streets in Paris "have been…
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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