Chaos in France – 1,800 arrested following the violence

 

Minna Haqanyar

Published 13:31 | Updated 14:19

City halls in flames, shattered storefront windows, and looted shops.

Saturday’s mass protests in France descended into violent chaos.

More than 1,800 people have been arrested following the unrest.

On Saturday, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets across France to protest against shortcomings in the school system, rising living costs, and public sector cuts.

However, in several cities, the protests turned into violence and destruction.

In Paris, cars were set on fire, and entire shopping streets were vandalized. Both grocery stores and high-end luxury boutiques—such as Louis Vuitton—were looted.

In Limoges, the city hall was set on fire. The roof collapsed onto the lower floors, and large parts of the historic building were destroyed. In Marseille, the city hall was stormed, and in Lyon, the city’s tourist office was set ablaze.

“Entire streets have been devastated,” stated Paris Deputy Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire, according to AFP.

Started with school protests

The wave of protests began back in September, when high school students in the Paris suburbs started demonstrating against teacher shortages and poor school facilities.

Since then, the discontent has grown into a broader movement against high prices, social inequality, and public spending cuts.

According to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, approximately 550,000 people participated in Saturday’s demonstrations. Organizers estimate the number at 800,000.

Address to the nation and emergency meeting

The vast majority demonstrated peacefully, according to Reuters. However, groups of masked individuals attacked the police, looted shops, and vandalized public buildings.

More than 1,800 people have been arrested, and over 500 police officers and firefighters have been injured, according to Nunez.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has also called an emergency meeting with representatives from several ministries for 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. The meeting will be led by President Emmanuel Macron, who is subsequently expected to deliver a televised address to the nation at 8:00 p.m., according to The Guardian.

Russian Invasion International Response

US Sanctions on Russia Paused for Up to 60 Days

The pause on new US sanctions against Russia will last for up to 60 days, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He stated that the purpose is to evaluate the economic consequences.

"The President wants to analyze how sanctions and tariffs would affect both the global economy and the United States," Rubio said, according to Reuters.

The decision to pause the sanctions has been criticized by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who warns that it could embolden Vladimir Putin and prolong the war.

Darline Graham: "I Want to Keep Pressuring Putin"

Donald Trump’s decision to pause sanctions against Russia is sparking anger even among his own allies, US media report.

Among them is Darline Graham, who—with Trump’s support—took over the Senate seat previously held by her brother, Lindsey Graham, following his death. It was Lindsey Graham who spearheaded the sanctions package in Congress.

"I would choose to continue putting pressure on Russia to end the war and bring down fuel prices, because I trust neither Putin nor Russia," she said, according to CNN.

Several other Republicans are also critical—including Congressman Don Bacon, who argues that Trump’s decision will prolong the war in Ukraine. Among Democrats, the rhetoric is even harsher.

"Trump’s pact with the devil is getting even dirtier," said top Democrat Chuck Schumer, according to the AP. 

Zelenskyy: We were attacked 76 times during the "truce"

Since Donald Trump claimed a week ago that Moscow and Kyiv had agreed to an "energy truce," Russia has attacked Ukraine’s energy sector 76 times, Volodymyr Zelenskyy writes on X.

He further notes that, during the same period, Russia launched nearly 2,700 attack drones, 1,700 aerial bombs, and 66 missiles. Zelenskyy also takes a jab at Trump—who, during this same timeframe, has called off a major sanctions package against Russia and purchased 300,000 tons of diesel from the country—while simultaneously claiming that it is Ukraine that does not want peace.

"It is because of Russia’s stance that the war continues [...] It is Russia that must be subjected to pressure if peace is to have a chance."

Protests in Franc

Historic town hall destroyed following violent protests

The town hall in the French city of Limoges has been largely destroyed by fire following violent protests against the high cost of living, reports *Le Figaro*. Masked individuals broke into the building and set it on fire.

"It is largely lost," the local prefect said regarding the historic town hall, which was inaugurated in 1883.

Thousands took part in the demonstration, which descended into violence. Several police vehicles were set on fire, and shops were looted. Town halls in Lille and Marseille were also subjected to vandalism.

Seven minors among those arrested following town hall fire

In the French city of Limoges, 17 people have been arrested after the town hall was set ablaze during the ongoing protests across the country, reports *BFMTV*.

Seven of those arrested are under the age of 18, and the police are investigating the fire as "organized destruction of property using dangerous means."

"Private individuals have also been attacked in connection with the crowds at the scene—in some cases, with violence. We will promptly determine how many people have been affected," the public prosecutor's office stated.

By Sunday morning, the fire at the town hall was under control.

*Le Monde* reports that organizers estimate 800,000 people demonstrated on Saturday. Authorities estimate that half a million people participated. 

 

“The Yellow Vests look like choirboys by comparison”

Although calm has returned to the streets of Paris, the devastation left in the wake of the night’s violence is striking and immense, reports *Le Parisien*. On some streets, not a single shop has been spared. Banks, clothing stores, beauty salons, and pharmacies have been subjected to vandalism and looting. A reporter for the newspaper observed young people rummaging through the wreckage in search of valuables.

“People disgust me—go to hell!” exclaimed an individual who had just bought coffee for the sanitation workers on Boulevard Voltaire.

Paris Deputy Mayor Lamia El Aaraje stated that many shop owners saw their entire businesses—and thus their livelihoods—destroyed overnight. Many employers will be forced to implement a temporary suspension of operations starting Monday.

“The Yellow Vests look like absolute choirboys compared to this,” said a waiter working at a brasserie on the Place de la République.

 

 

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