Widespread riots and looting caused massive destruction across France after large protests turned violent on Saturday.
France woke up to major destruction on Sunday. Violent riots left behind burnt cars and piles of shattered glass. These scenes followed large demonstrations across Paris and other major cities.
Also, police arrested roughly 1,800 people on Saturday. About 550,000 people took to the streets to protest. Most participants remained peaceful during the day.
Next, protesters voiced anger over high fuel prices and living costs. They also demanded better public services and more school funding. However, masked rioters caused significant chaos in several urban areas.
Meanwhile, groups set fires to buildings and vehicles in Paris and Marseille. Looters broke into many designer stores and restaurants. Riot police used tear gas and water cannons to stop the crowds.
After that, violence spread to multiple cities including Lille and Lyon. Protesters used a fence to break into Marseille’s city hall. A McDonald’s restaurant caught fire in Lille during the unrest.
Then, officials reported that 150 police officers suffered injuries. Shop owners spent Sunday morning cleaning up broken glass. Many stores displayed graffiti with slogans against the wealthy.
Still, some business owners felt abandoned by authorities during the looting. One store owner watched looters on camera for over an hour. He noted that no police arrived to stop the theft.
Also, fires destroyed important historic buildings across the country. A fire gutted the tourist office in Lyon. In Limoges, a blaze caused the town hall to collapse.
Finally, a young man lost his hand due to a small explosive device. The interior ministry condemned the targeted acts of violence. Officials continue to assess the widespread damage across France.