France wakes to scorched streets after peaceful protests over fuel prices and public services spiral into nationwide riots

France woke up Sunday to burned cars, smashed shopfronts and looted businesses after Saturday protests spiraled into riots.

About 550,000 demonstrators took to the streets on Saturday, according to the BBC. By nightfall, authorities had made around 1,800 arrests, the BBC reported, while Al Jazeera, citing authorities, put the figure at about 1,200. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said 150 police officers were injured in the unrest, which erupted across multiple cities.

The protests began as largely peaceful marches over rising fuel prices, the cost of living and deteriorating public services. They followed weeks of student protests demanding investment in education, with demonstrators citing a lack of teachers, overcrowded classrooms and run-down buildings. As the day wore on, masked or hooded youths engaged in rioting, looting, torching vehicles and attacking public buildings. In Paris, police used tear gas and water cannon against the crowds.

Cities bear the brunt

In Paris, at least one restaurant was gutted by fire. Damaged designer stores included Ralph Lauren, Gucci and Versace, and many shops were daubed with graffiti reading “tax the rich” and “eat the rich.” Riot police charged at one crowd in central Paris and hit several people with batons. Paris Deputy Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire said “whole streets have been devastated.” In Marseille, protesters broke into city hall using a metal fence as a battering ram. In Lille, a McDonald’s was set on fire and an Apple store was broken into and looted, police said. In Lyon, the tourist office was burned, and local police said hostile individuals prevented firefighters from safely tackling the blaze.

In Limoges, a fire at the town hall caused part of the building to collapse. Local officials said the town hall was largely lost, and Maurice Barate, prefect for the Haute-Vienne department, said a wild horde had deliberately set fire to the 143-year-old building. In Saint-Étienne, a 17-year-old lost his right hand after being hit by a crowd-control grenade or small explosive. Mayor Régis Juanico said such a tragedy should never have happened. In Bordeaux, a police compound was vandalised. France’s interior ministry said Saturday’s protests involved targeted acts of violence from hooded individuals in parts of the capital. Damage to buildings was also reported in Nice and Strasbourg.

Officials vow accountability

President Emmanuel Macron promised that those responsible for looting and attacks on public buildings will be prosecuted and punished. Lecornu said it was a miracle the toll isn’t higher. The unrest comes six months before the presidential election, and far-right and left-wing contenders traded blame over the violence.