On Sunday, the cleanup of the aftermath left by the nationwide protests that turned into riots the previous day began in various parts of France. On Saturday, protesters initiated demonstrations over high prices and public service issues, leading to clashes between some violent groups and the police in multiple cities across the country, resulting in one protester’s death, over 500 officers injured, and nearly 1,800 people arrested, as announced by the French Ministry of the Interior on Sunday.
According to reports from Reuters, from Lille in the north to Marseille in the south, from Strasbourg in the east to Bordeaux in the southwest, large-scale cleanup operations took place in multiple French cities on Sunday to repair the damaged public facilities and commercial establishments. Prior to this, town halls were set on fire, shops were looted, and many buildings were covered in graffiti.
In the protests in Paris, a protester died of a sudden heart attack. The Paris police headquarters reported a record number of 855 arrests in Paris and its surrounding areas. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated on Sunday that a total of about 1,800 people had been detained nationwide, with over 500 officers injured.
The protests spread across dozens of cities in France. The Ministry of the Interior estimated around 550,000 participants, while organizers claimed about 800,000 people took part in the demonstrations. While most protesters marched peacefully, some violent groups took advantage of the chaos to set fires, loot shops, damage public buildings, and clash with the police.
In Limoges, the historic town hall with a 143-year history was set on fire, resulting in severe damage to the main building, with the roof collapsing and the bell tower collapsing.
In the southwest city of Bordeaux, masked individuals broke into the residence of the prefect of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and Gironde department. Bordeaux Mayor Thomas Cazenave stated that the windows of 50 to 100 shops in the city center were smashed, and some shops were looted.
French President Emmanuel Macron, amidst the outbreak of riots on Saturday evening, posted on social media platform X, stating, “Our Republic will never tolerate violence. Those who loot, attack provincial governments and shops, or even rob town halls, will be prosecuted and punished.”
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu stated that the government would not be intimidated by violent acts, attributing the riots to far-left activists and criminals.
Economic Minister Roland Lescure promised support for business owners who suffered losses. In a statement, he said, “Those perpetrators will pay the price, repair the damages, and take responsibility for the chaos they caused.”
Marseille Mayor Benoit Payan announced emergency financial assistance to support businesses affected by the violent events.
The protest initially started over school teaching conditions and teacher shortages but escalated into a large-scale protest against inequality, rising living costs, and deteriorating public services. With France expecting presidential elections next year, the nationwide protests and the resulting material losses further compound the political pressure facing the Macron government.