Riots and looting leave damage across France after largely peaceful protests

Paris was clearing up on Sunday after protests over rising fuel prices, the cost of living and public services were followed by riots and looting in several French cities. Police arrested about 1,800 people as an estimated 550,000 took part in demonstrations that were largely peaceful, according to the BBC. [1]

In Paris, shopfronts were smashed, cars and bikes burned, and pavements strewn with glass and debris. The BBC reported looting in Paris, Marseille and Lille, as well as other areas. Riot police used tear gas and water cannon in clashes in the capital; the BBC also saw officers charge a crowd and hit several people with batons. [1]

The unrest spread beyond the capital. In Marseille, protesters broke into the city hall; in Lille, police said a McDonald’s was set on fire and an Apple store was looted. Fires damaged public buildings elsewhere, including Lyon’s tourist office and Limoges town hall. Local officials said the Limoges building was “largely lost” after part of it collapsed. [1]

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said 150 police officers had been injured. In Saint-Étienne, Mayor Régis Juanico said a young man had lost his hand in an explosion. [1]

The protests are part of a student-led movement that began late last month. Demonstrators have called for more investment in schools, citing staff shortages, overcrowded classrooms and deteriorating buildings. [1]

In Paris, shopkeepers began clearing broken glass and debris on Sunday morning. One clothing-shop owner near Place de la République told the BBC that CCTV showed looters inside for more than an hour and a half, and that he saw no police during that time. He said he did not believe they were genuine protesters, but were taking advantage of the demonstrations. [1]