Violent clashes, looting and buildings ablaze in France as more than 1,200 arrested after protests

Violent protests erupted across France on Saturday, leading to widespread rioting, looting, and arson. Over 1,200 individuals were taken into custody, according to the French government, which described the situation as an "escalation in violence." In Paris, clashes with riot police occurred into the evening, with the use of tear gas and water cannons.

Buildings were set ablaze, including the town hall in Limoges, which suffered a partial collapse of its roof. Looting took place in numerous cities, with vandalism reported at city halls and businesses. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu reported 150 injured police officers during the unrest. Despite an initially peaceful main march in the capital, some groups resorted to setting fires and torching vehicles in central Paris.

In Lyon, Mayor Grégory Doucet expressed grief over the burning of the city's tourist office, calling it a "tragedy." Firefighters faced challenges due to hostile individuals hindering their efforts. In Saint-Étienne, a young man reportedly lost his hand in an explosion, with the mayor expressing deep sorrow. Some hard-left politicians accused police of inciting the violence, while Prime Minister Lecornu dismissed such claims as "dangerous and cynical."

Lecornu warned that those breaking the law would face prosecution. Education Minister Édouard Geffray promised additional teachers, but the protests persisted and grew more intense.