From France24 · · 1m 30s
Paris Police Clash With Protesters and Looters
French police face violent clashes with protesters and looters during cost-of-living demonstrations.
In brief
French police face violent clashes with protesters and looters during cost-of-living demonstrations. French police arrested 2,000 people nationwide as violent protests over cost of living left Paris reeling from looting and destruction. Originally reported by France24.
Violent Unrest Begins
French police battled protesters and looters for a second day Sunday as the country reeled from violent chaos left by cost-of-living demonstrations.
Arrests and Chaos
Paris city workers had not finished clearing up torched cars, smashed shopfronts and burnt debris from Saturday's unrest when new troubles started.
Gathering in Republique Square
AFP journalists said several hundred people gathered in Republique square following social media calls for a gathering that authorities said had not been approved.
Looting and Fire
Television footage showed looting of a clothing store and bikes set alight nearby.
Police Response
Paris police prefecture said security forces moved in when faced with initial signs of tension.
Violence Escalates
AFP journalists saw police firing tear gas and stun grenades at hundreds of people gathered in the square.
Arrests and Detentions
Some 550 people out of 855 arrested in Paris remained in detention from Saturday's troubles.
President Macron's Address
French President Emmanuel Macron said nothing justifies the unbridled violence seen in nationwide cost of living protests.
Political Backlash
Marine Le Pen, far-right presidential candidate for National Rally, said Macron's administration was running on fumes and exhausted.
The main idea
French police arrested 2,000 people nationwide as violent protests over cost of living left Paris reeling from looting and destruction.
