France counts 1800 detentions as fires leave public buildings damaged
France’s interior minister put detentions during and after nationwide protests at about 1800, as investigators examined looting and arson. A fire damaged Limoges town hall, where part of the roof collapsed. The aftermath includes damaged businesses and a widening judicial response, following largely peaceful marching earlier in Paris.
Geopolitics··Evening
The detention total rises after nationwide unrest
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said about 1800 people had been detained during and after Saturday’s nationwide demonstrations. His Sunday announcement followed an earlier government count of at least 1200 reported by the BBC. The changing totals accompany investigations into looting, arson and damage to public buildings and businesses across several cities. President Emmanuel Macron said those responsible for violence faced prosecution.[1], [2]
Paris police put arrests in the capital at 855. The Paris prosecutor’s office separately said more than 500 people were in custody, with arrests continuing through the night. Suspected offences included handling stolen property, preparing collective violence and vandalism. Authorities in Lyon reported 160 people in custody. These announcements refer to arrests and people being held at the respective reporting stages.[1]
Limoges town hall loses part of its roof
Fire struck the nineteenth-century town hall in Limoges, a French city, and part of its roof collapsed. Local prefect Maurice Barate said the blaze was deliberately started. Firefighters brought it under control early on Sunday. The local prefecture described much of the building as lost. In Lyon, Mayor Grégory Doucet condemned the burning of the city’s tourist office.[1], [2]
Lyon police said some people obstructed firefighters trying to tackle that blaze safely. In Lille, an Apple shop was looted. Damage also affected stores in Marseille, Bordeaux, Nice and Strasbourg. Paris streets contained burned vehicles, broken shopfronts and the remains of barricades assembled from bicycles, bins and other objects. A restaurant in the capital was gutted by fire.[1], [2]
A peaceful march preceded the evening violence
The main Paris march was largely peaceful during the afternoon. BBC journalists later witnessed police striking some people with batons as officers also used tear gas and water cannon. Some groups threw projectiles and fireworks at police. The demonstrations brought together young people, trade union members and yellow-vest activists over living costs and school conditions. The interior ministry estimated participation nationwide at 550000.[1], [2]
Nuñez said investigators were working to identify people responsible for the destruction and bring them before courts. Political accusations also followed: government figures blamed ultra-left groups, while Jean-Luc Mélenchon condemned looting and arson. Investigations into individual offences continued alongside the assessment of damage to municipal buildings, shops and vehicles.[1], [2]
