France weighs emergency measures after protests leave historic sites in ruins

Violence spreads across France

Masked rioters disrupted marches in several large cities, looting shops, setting cars and buildings on fire, and confronting police. The unrest peaked Saturday, when more than 500,000 people joined protests.

Limoges’ 19th-century town hall was destroyed by fire. Video showed its clock tower collapsing; the landmark had stood for nearly 150 years and survived both World Wars. In Marseille, the city hall, dating from the 1600s, was stormed and marked with graffiti.

Government considers emergency steps

President Emmanuel Macron said Sunday evening that people seeking to undermine the republic would be held accountable. He also said police had lost control during the unrest and urged regional authorities to impose partial, localized curfews to protect businesses.

Lecornu said he was determined to restore public order and that the government was prepared to declare a national state of emergency if necessary. He said violent groups would not be allowed to dictate events or prevent the election, while recognizing student concerns about classroom conditions as legitimate.

Students’ concerns and protests

The demonstrations began about a month ago, when high school students protested deteriorating schools, overcrowded classes and teacher shortages. On Monday, hundreds gathered outside the Louvre in Paris to support the students who started the protests.

The Yellow Vests movement, which organized the weekend rallies, called for another round of demonstrations on Saturday. Officials said some people had taken advantage of the protests to loot, vandalize property and attack police.

Anae, a 24-year-old student in Grenoble, told AFP she had finished her studies but had no income or secure future. She also cited environmental worries and criticized the government.