France Sees Violent Clashes During Cost-of-Living Protests; Over 1,200 Arrested as Macron Vows Firm Response

Nationwide protests in France against rising living costs and declining public services turned violent on Saturday, with more than 1,200 people arrested after clashes between demonstrators and police in Paris and several other cities.

Cars were set on fire, businesses were looted and public buildings were damaged. A fire broke out at a town hall in Limoges, where part of the roof collapsed. Police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse masked groups throwing fireworks and other projectiles. Sixty law enforcement officers were injured, including two who were taken to hospital unconscious.

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence and pledged that those responsible for arson, looting and attacks on public institutions would be prosecuted and punished. In a statement, he said there was “no room for violence in our Republic” and described the perpetrators as “sowers of chaos” seeking to undermine institutions. He expressed support for security forces tasked with protecting the right to peaceful protest.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu also denounced the unrest, attributing much of the violence to “ultraleft groups” and opportunistic rioters. He backed a proposed “pay-the-damagers” bill that would require those who cause destruction to cover the cost of repairs, arguing that public funds should support services rather than repeated repairs.

The demonstrations drew support from students protesting school conditions and alleged excessive police force. Trade union estimates put nationwide participation at around 550,000 people. While many marched peacefully to demand higher wages, lower prices and improved public services, violence spread across multiple cities.

In Paris, a bar was set on fire and parked vehicles were torched. An Apple store in Lille was among the businesses targeted, a tourist office in Lyon was set ablaze, and town halls in Marseille and Lille were vandalised. In Saint-Etienne, a demonstrator reportedly lost a hand after a police crowd-control grenade exploded.

The unrest has unfolded against a backdrop of growing political uncertainty ahead of the next presidential election, with protesters accusing the government of failing to address economic pressures and public concerns.