French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said around 1,200 people had been arrested and 150 police officers injured during the unrest. He condemned the violence as exceptionally intense, warning that the consequences could have been far worse.
The demonstrations took place in Paris and other major cities, with the Interior Ministry estimating that 550,000 people participated. The CGT trade union, which joined the protests, put the turnout at 800,000.
Police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse crowds as demonstrators threw projectiles and fireworks. In the southern city of Saint-Etienne, a 17-year-old boy reportedly lost his right hand after a crowd-control grenade exploded.
Following the marches, groups of masked youths attacked shops, set vehicles on fire and clashed with security forces. Businesses, including supermarkets, pharmacies, clothing stores, luxury boutiques and electronics retailers, were looted in Paris, Marseille, Nice, Nantes, Bordeaux, Lille and several other cities.
Public buildings also came under attack. In Limoges, a historic town hall more than 140 years old was largely destroyed by a fire after masked protesters reportedly broke into the building. Other municipal offices were vandalised in Marseille and Lille, while a police compound in Bordeaux was targeted.
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the destruction and vowed that those responsible for vandalism, attacks on businesses and looting would face prosecution and punishment.
The unrest has also intensified political tensions ahead of France’s upcoming presidential election. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen blamed left-wing groups for encouraging violence, while left-wing politician Jean-Luc Melenchon urged demonstrators to avoid looting.
The protests were driven primarily by growing living costs, rising rents and concerns over economic inequality. Demonstrators also voiced anger at political leaders and the concentration of wealth among France’s richest citizens.
Some protesters invoked the French Revolution of 1789, while others demanded Macron’s resignation.
The demonstrations were also linked to the Yellow Vest movement, which organised major protests eight years earlier against government fuel tax increases.
The latest unrest has raised fresh concerns over public security, political divisions and the government’s ability to contain growing public anger over economic pressures.
