France protests: Burnt out cars and shattered glass on Paris streets after protests turn to riots and looting

Damage across Paris streets

The aftermath in Paris included damaged cars, charred bicycles and broken glass scattered across pavements. Designer shops, including Ralph Lauren, Gucci and Versace, had smashed frontages, and some businesses were marked with graffiti reading “tax the rich” and “eat the rich.” Near Place de la République, the Good Vibes bakery’s glass frontage was completely broken. At a Nicolas wine shop, every bottle had been stolen or smashed, leaving the smell of alcohol in the street.

Looting and injuries reported

Looting took place in Paris, Marseille, Lille and other areas. Footage showed riot police charging at a crowd in central Paris and striking several people with batons. France’s interior ministry said more than 500 police officers, gendarmes and firefighters were injured during Saturday’s unrest. The ministry also described targeted violence by hooded people in parts of Paris, Marseille, Rennes, Toulouse and Angers.

Protests over public services

Demonstrators were protesting rising fuel prices, the cost of living and deteriorating public services, including schools. Student protests had brought hundreds of thousands of people onto the streets since beginning late the previous month.

Students called for more investment in schools and criticized a lack of teachers and staff, overcrowded classrooms and deteriorating buildings. The article also reports that others joined the protests and looted and ransacked businesses in several cities.