HIBAPRESS – Agencies
Several French cities witnessed acts of violence, looting, and vandalism on Saturday during protests against the high cost of living and the decline in public services, resulting in the arrest of 1200 people and the injury of 150 security personnel, according to authorities.
Vandalism affected town hall buildings, police stations, and shops, while fires broke out in public buildings, most notably the historic town hall in Limoges, which suffered significant damage, along with buildings in Grenoble and Lyon.
In Paris and other cities, police used tear gas to disperse groups of masked protesters who threw projectiles and fireworks at security personnel. Looting targeted large stores, pharmacies, and shops selling clothing, electronics, and luxury goods.
The clashes resulted in a 17-year-old boy suffering the amputation of his right hand due to the explosion of a grenade used by the police to disperse crowds in the city of Saint-Étienne. About a hundred protesters also attacked the headquarters of the "CNews" television channel in Paris, throwing projectiles at its facade.
These events come six months before the presidential elections, amidst rising social tension and difficulties facing the government due to the absence of a parliamentary majority. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu vowed to deal firmly with rioters, warning that the financial cost of the damage would be exorbitant, while the Trade and Distribution Union predicted significant economic and financial repercussions.
