Massive Protests and Riots Leave Streets of Paris and Other French Cities in Ruins

France is facing widespread damage after weekend protests over the cost of living and public services turned into violent riots, fires and looting.

Riots and Clashes

About 550,000 demonstrators took to the streets on Saturday in mostly peaceful marches. However, groups of rioters wearing masks and balaclavas also came out in Paris, Marseille, Lille and other areas. Protesters clashed with riot police who used tear gas and water cannon. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu reported that 150 police officers were injured in the unrest. Police arrested about 1,800 people on Saturday.

Damage Across Cities

Rioters set fire to cars and buildings, torched vehicles and looted shops. In Marseille, protesters used a metal fence as a battering ram to break into the city hall. A McDonald's was set on fire in Lille and an Apple store was looted. In Lyon, the city's tourist office was burned down, while a fire at Limoges town hall caused part of the building to collapse. A young man also had his hand blown off by a small explosive in Saint-Étienne.

Context

Protests in France have drawn hundreds of thousands of people in recent weeks over issues like rising fuel prices, the cost of living and poor conditions in schools. While most demonstrators march peacefully, separate groups of rioters frequently use large public gatherings as an opportunity to cause destruction and loot stores.