PARIS – More than 1,200 people were arrested and 150 police officers injured after violent riots erupted across France on Saturday, BBC reported.
The clashes marked the latest escalation as an estimated 550,000 protesters took to the streets in nationwide demonstrations over school hardships and the rising cost of living.
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu condemned the escalation, stating that security forces faced ‘violence of extreme intensity’ from masked individuals who targeted public infrastructure, historic municipal buildings, and commercial retail outlets across multiple cities.
Riot police in Paris deployed tear gas and water cannon into the evening as crowds torched vehicles and lit street fires near iconic locations, including the Place de la République.
Severe structural damage was reported nationwide, including a major fire that caused the roof of the historic Limoges town hall to partly collapse.
In Lyon, Mayor Grégory Doucet described the burning of the city’s tourist office as ‘a tragedy’, telling BFMTV, “it breaks our hearts because it’s a very iconic, well-known historic building”.
Local police added that ‘hostile individuals’ actively prevented firefighters from safely tackling the blaze.
Looting and vandalism broke out across Marseille, Rennes, Toulouse, Lille, and Grenoble, with rioters ransacking restaurants, retail chains, and an Apple store while blocking emergency crews from extinguishing blazes.
In Saint-Étienne, Mayor Régis Juanico confirmed that a young man suffered a severed hand after an explosive device detonated during the unrest.
The wave of demonstrations was initially spearheaded by high school students protesting staff shortages and dilapidated school facilities, before being joined by trade unions and ‘yellow vest’ cost-of-living demonstrators.
Political tensions have escalated ahead of next year April’s presidential election, with French President Emmanuel Macron vowing that those who attacked municipal buildings and looted businesses will be held accountable.
“Those who have broken, attacked the prefectures as well as businesses, looted even our town halls, will be prosecuted and punished.” he said.
The government has made apparent attempts at concessions, with Education Minister Édouard Geffray promising 3,000 extra supply teachers during a television interview on Oct 8.
However, the protests have continued and intensified.-MalayaDailyToday
