rki.news | Source: Anadolu Agency
PARIS: More than 2,000 people have been arrested following nationwide cost-of-living protests involving Yellow Vest groups in France, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said Sunday. Clashes, arson and looting injured over 600 police officers, gendarmes and firefighters.
Nunez said the injury toll remained provisional and investigations were underway. Several hundred businesses sustained significant damage, while the Federation of Commerce and Distribution estimated that 1,500 retailers were affected, with losses reaching hundreds of millions of euros.
Saturday’s demonstrations attracted 550,000 people nationwide, including 110,000 in Paris, according to the Interior Ministry. Organizers estimated turnout at around 800,000.
The protests brought together Yellow Vest groups, trade unions, students and farmers. While the main Paris march passed peacefully, violence erupted in several cities.
In Limoges, fire devastated the historic city hall, while shops were looted and buildings damaged in Marseille, Lyon and Bordeaux. A demonstrator died after suffering cardiorespiratory arrest in Paris, while a 17-year-old reportedly lost a hand after being struck by a police grenade in Saint-Etienne.
Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire announced emergency assistance for affected businesses.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu was scheduled to chair a crisis meeting on the economic impact, insurance issues and judicial follow-up. A parliamentary inquiry into the unrest is also under consideration.
France Arrests Over 2,000 After Violent Nationwide Protests
