France Arrests 1,800 After Violent Protests Leave Widespread Damage

French authorities have arrested about 1,800 people following nationwide protests that escalated into violence, looting and attacks on public buildings and businesses.

The protests, which took place on Saturday, spread across major cities, including Paris, Marseille, Lyon and Bordeaux, as demonstrators expressed anger over rising living costs, inequality and declining public services.

According to Reuters, more than half a million people participated in demonstrations across the country, although many of the marches were peaceful before clashes erupted between police and groups of rioters.

France’s Interior Minister, Laurent Nuñez, announced on Sunday that about 1,800 people had been arrested, with investigations underway to identify those responsible for the violence.

Paris recorded 855 arrests, which authorities described as a record for the French capital.

The unrest left several businesses damaged, while shops and supermarkets were looted in different cities. Police also faced attacks from violent groups, prompting security forces to intervene as the situation deteriorated.

More than 500 police officers were reportedly injured during the disturbances, while one demonstrator died after suffering a cardiac arrest during protests in Paris.

One of the most significant incidents occurred in Limoges, southwestern France, where the city’s historic town hall was partially destroyed by fire in a suspected arson attack.

The building, which dates back 143 years, sustained extensive damage, prompting the city’s mayor, Guillaume Guérin, to call for financial assistance to fund repairs.

In Bordeaux, Mayor Thomas Cazenave said up to 100 shops had been looted, while authorities in Marseille announced emergency financial assistance for affected businesses.

French retailer Carrefour also reported damage to 50 of its stores, including 20 that were looted, with losses estimated at tens of millions of euros, according to its chief executive, Alexandre Bompard.

The protests initially emerged from a student-led movement over poor school conditions and teacher shortages in working-class suburbs. They later expanded into a broader demonstration against rising prices, public spending cuts and social inequality.

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence, insisting that those responsible for attacks on businesses and public institutions would face prosecution.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu also criticised the unrest, blaming violent groups and criminals for the destruction.

Meanwhile, Economy Minister Roland Lescure pledged support for business owners affected by the violence and said those responsible would be held accountable.

The demonstrations have increased pressure on Macron’s government ahead of France’s presidential election next year, as authorities face growing public discontent over economic conditions and the state of public services.

A nationwide clean-up operation began on Sunday, with local authorities assessing damage and working to restore affected areas.