More than half a million people joined marches on Saturday, October 17, while violent groups targeted public buildings, looted shops and clashed with police. France witnessed one of its worst bouts of unrest in years after demonstrations against rising living costs and declining public services turned violent in several cities. The historic town hall in Limoges was largely destroyed in a fire, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to appeal for calm.
Authorities reported thousands of arrests, while a major clean-up operation got underway in cities hit by vandalism and looting. Demonstrations in Paris turned violent as groups of protesters clashed with police. Officers fired tear gas as tensions escalated, while some demonstrators wore masks, goggles and hoodies during confrontations. The historic town hall in Limoges suffered extensive damage after a fire broke out during Saturday’s unrest. People gathered near the fire-ravaged town hall as specialists assessed the damage. Local officials described the destruction of the historic building as a major loss to the city’s heritage. Police patrolled affected areas as France began assessing the aftermath of the demonstrations.
The 19th-century building’s roof collapsed onto its lower floors, while its clock tower fell in a blaze that revived memories of the 2019 fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.
