Historic city hall torched, shops looted: 1,200 arrested as violent protests rock France

Violent protests erupted across France on Saturday, October 17, as over 550,000 people took to the streets to demand action over rising living costs, deteriorating school facilities and cuts to public services. Demonstrations began around midday in several French cities, including Paris, Limoges, Marseille, Lyon, and others. The interior ministry reported 550,000 participants, while the CGT union claimed 800,000 took part.

Over 1,200 individuals were arrested, and more than 150 police officers were injured during clashes between protesters and law enforcement. In Paris, violent clashes erupted near Place de la République, with masked rioters throwing fireworks and stones, attacking a bank and looting a sports shop while police responded with tear gas.

Shops were set ablaze and looted in various locations, including the city hall in Limoges, which was largely destroyed by fire. Protesters also targeted the town hall in Marseille and the tourist office in Lyon.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu blamed the violence on ultra-leftists and criminals, stating that the government would not yield to the unrest. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez described the protesters as opportunistic delinquents seeking to loot, urging the nation to stand united against the "sowers of chaos." President Emmanuel Macron vowed to prosecute the attackers and maintain national unity in the face of the chaos.

Far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon called for protesters to avoid looting, while far-right leader Marine Le Pen condemned the rioters and accused Mélenchon's party of legitimizing the violence.