France Detains 1,800 as Cost-of-Living Protests Turn Violent

French police detained at least 1,800 individuals on Saturday after large-scale demonstrations protesting high living costs and deteriorating school conditions turned violent. Official counts placed participation at approximately 550,000 people, while organizers claimed the number reached 800,000. The unrest involved masked groups that clashed with officers and looted businesses in major cities such as Paris, Marseille, and Lille.

The violence resulted in significant structural damage, most notably in Limoges where the 19th-century city hall fire caused the roof to collapse. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated that over 500 emergency personnel, including police and firefighters, were injured during the disorder. In Saint-Étienne, Mayor Régis Juanico reported that a young man suffered a severe hand injury from a small explosive.

On Sunday, residents and cleanup crews began clearing shattered glass and debris from streets in Paris, particularly around Place de la République. Officials emphasized that while the right to protest is fundamental, the deliberate incitement of disorder is not. Investigations are currently underway to identify those responsible for the targeted attacks on public infrastructure and private businesses.