France Protests: 1,500 Shops Damaged as Police Arrest More Than 1,800
Retailers report widespread damage and looting during demonstrations over the cost of living and rising fuel prices, while authorities investigate violence that erupted alongside peaceful marches.
About 1,500 shops and retail businesses were damaged during demonstrations that swept across France over the weekend, with many of the premises looted, the head of the Retail and Trade Federation said on Sunday.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said police had arrested more than 1,800 people as incidents of arson and looting occurred on the sidelines of largely peaceful marches against the rising cost of living and fuel prices.
The demonstrations took place on Saturday, October 17, with reports of damage to businesses and public buildings in several locations.
Paris Records Hundreds of Arrests
Police said 855 people were detained in Paris during the protests, describing the figure as a record for demonstrations of this kind.
More than 500 people were reportedly in custody following the unrest, according to prosecutors.
Authorities continued to assess the extent of the damage as investigations into the violence and looting progressed.
Fire at Limoges Town Hall Contained
A fire at the town hall in Limoges was contained, according to the local police prefect, who spoke to local media.
The incident was among the reported outbreaks of fire that accompanied the demonstrations.
The circumstances surrounding the fire and the extent of the damage were not immediately detailed in the available report.
Demonstrator Dies During Paris Protests
Police said a demonstrator died in Paris from a cardiorespiratory arrest during the protests.
Further details about the circumstances of the death were not provided in the report.
The incident added to concerns over the impact of the unrest as authorities worked to establish what happened during the demonstrations.
Political Reactions and Inquiry Expected
US Vice President JD Vance blamed immigration for the violence during the French protests, according to the report.
Meanwhile, the president of France’s National Assembly said an inquiry would be launched into the violence and looting that occurred alongside peaceful demonstrations.
French President Emmanuel Macron was also expected to address the country in a formal statement at 8 p.m. on Sunday.
The demonstrations were organised amid public concerns over living costs and rising fuel prices, with the damage to businesses and public infrastructure drawing renewed attention to the unrest.
