Nationwide protests in France over rising living costs and deteriorating public services turned violent, as major brand stores—including Celine, Dior, Hermès, and Apple—were looted and vandalised across several cities.
An estimated 550,000 demonstrators took to the streets nationwide, including 110,000 in Paris, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nunez.
What began as peaceful student demonstrations over secondary school funding cuts and teacher shortages rapidly expanded, drawing trade unions, Yellow Vest activists, and citizens protesting dwindling purchasing power and soaring fuel prices.
In Paris, looters smashed shop windows near Place de la République, throwing items into crowds and setting vehicles and a local bar ablaze. Widespread raiding and arson were also reported in Marseille, Lille, Nice, Lyon, and Limoges, where a major fire at the town hall caused part of its roof to collapse.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed that 150 police officers were injured, while law enforcement deployed tear gas and water cannons, arresting over 1,200 individuals.
President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence, stating that those responsible would face strict legal consequences. Meanwhile, political tensions continue to heighten as prominent leaders trade blame ahead of France’s upcoming presidential election.
