Paris:More than 2,000 individuals were arrested in France during and after nationwide protests concerning the cost of living, involving Yellow Vest groups. The demonstrations were marked by violence, arson, and looting, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nunez.
According to Anadolu Agency, over 600 police officers, gendarmes, and firefighters sustained injuries in the clashes. The injury toll is still considered provisional, and investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible for the violence. Several hundred businesses suffered significant material damage.
Alexandre Bompard, who leads the Federation of Commerce and Distribution and is CEO of Carrefour, stated that around 1,500 retailers were affected, with damages estimated at hundreds of millions of euros. The protests on Saturday attracted 550,000 participants nationwide, including 110,000 in Paris, per the Interior Ministry, although organizers claimed a turnout of around 800,000.
The protests saw participation from Yellow Vest collectives, trade unions, students, and farmers. While the main march in Paris proceeded without major incidents, violence erupted in other cities. In Paris, a protester died after experiencing cardiorespiratory arrest, and a 17-year-old lost a hand due to a police grenade in Saint-Etienne.
Paris police reported 855 arrests, with prosecutors noting 720 arrests, including 517 in custody. In Limoges, a fire destroyed the historic city hall, and looting and damage occurred in Marseille, Lyon, and Bordeaux. Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire announced an emergency task force to support affected businesses and planned to meet with various stakeholders.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu scheduled an interministerial crisis meeting to address the situation and its economic impact. He also planned to meet with mayors from major cities to discuss policing tactics. National Assembly President Yael Braun-Pivet is considering a parliamentary commission of inquiry.
Social media calls for renewed protests in Paris and other cities have raised concerns about further violence. Lecornu attributed the unrest to the 'ultra-left,' while opposition figures criticized police actions. Green politician Marine Tondelier and lawmaker Alexis Corbiere called for Nunez's resignation, echoed by the far-right National Rally.