Fuel and Cost of Living Protests in France Turn Violent
Following the transformation of protests in France over the cost of living and fuel prices into violent clashes and looting, President Macron called for calm. Approximately 2,400 people were detained during the incidents.
French President Emmanuel Macron has called on the public for calm and order after nationwide protests against the cost of living and fuel prices turned into violent clashes, street fights, and looting. As the incidents escalated in cities such as Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Lille, and Limoges, approximately 2,400 people were detained, numerous police officers were injured, and public buildings sustained extensive damage.
Around 550,000 demonstrators took to the streets in France due to rising living costs, fuel prices, and declining public services. While the protests initially began peacefully, a portion of them subsequently evolved into violent incidents. In Paris, Marseille, and other cities, masked groups dressed in black set vehicles and buildings on fire, while the 19th-century town hall in the city of Limoges suffered severe damage due to a fire started by rioters, causing its roof and clock tower to collapse.
According to data from the French Ministry of Interior, approximately 2,400 individuals were detained in interventions nationwide. During Saturday's clashes, about 1,000 police officers were injured, 7 of them seriously. Following the events, it was reported that Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will hold a crisis cabinet meeting, while President Macron, along with local officials, will design measures aimed at protecting shops and civilian buildings.