550,000 protesters turn violent

Demonstrations across France over poor schools and rising prices descended into violence and looting. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said more than five hundred police officers, gendarmes and firefighters were injured.

Limoges town hall set ablaze

In Limoges, firefighters battled through the night to extinguish a fire at the one hundred forty-three-year-old town hall. Regional administrator Maurice Barate said a wild horde deliberately set fire to it.

“A wild horde deliberately set fire to it.”

Damage across major cities

In Marseille, Lille, Angers and Bordeaux, demonstrators rampaged through town halls and administrative buildings. In Paris, police arrested eight hundred fifty-five people. Deputy mayor Lamia El Aaraje said it was unprecedented violence.

“It was a level of violence that, I believe, we have never seen before in Paris.”

Businesses condemn the violence

Franck Chaumes, president of the Union of Hotel and Restaurant Trades and Industries, said establishments cannot be punching bags for violence. Alexandre Bompard of the French Federation of Retail and Distribution expected serious economic consequences.

“Our establishments are not punching bags.”

Protesters cite cost of living

Demonstrators joined a convergence of struggles including former Yellow Vest protesters against rising fuel prices. Régine Monfroid in Strasbourg said people are fed up with poverty wages and constantly rising rents.

“We are fed up with working ourselves to the bone for poverty wages while seeing our rents constantly rise.”

Macron pledges prosecution

President Emmanuel Macron said those who smashed things, attacked prefectures and looted will be prosecuted. He announced a televised address to the nation after an emergency meeting with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu.

“Those who smashed things up, attacked prefectures and businesses, and looted our town halls will be prosecuted and punished.”