Mayor says whole streets in Paris devastated as protests and demonstrations continue across France and Europe
Peaceful marches and violence
Hundreds of thousands of people took part in peaceful street marches in dozens of cities. Demonstrations also drew groups angered by high prices and what was described as a fraying social welfare system.
Arrests and injured officers
Police in Paris arrested 855 people on Saturday, a figure described as a record. The number was part of 1,200 arrests reported across France. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said 150 police officers had been hurt in clashes. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said the official demonstration had been hijacked by people he called “opportunistic delinquents.”
Fire damages Limoges town hall
In Limoges, in central France, masked protesters set fire to the town hall. A top regional official told AFP that the building was “largely lost” to the blaze. France is now recovering from the unrest, which saw buildings attacked and set alight across the country.
Key points
- France saw its worst protests in years, with buildings attacked and set ablaze.
- Police reported 1,200 arrests nationwide, including 855 in Paris.
- Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said 150 police officers were injured.
- A fire set by masked protesters left Limoges town hall “largely lost.”