Looters have targeted luxury boutiques and other businesses across several French cities as nationwide protests over the rising cost of living descended into violence on Saturday, October 17.
Tens of thousands of demonstrators, including students, teachers and trade union members, marched through Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Lille and Nice to protest rising prices, fuel costs and concerns over the country’s education system.
However, the demonstrations were marred by vandalism, looting and clashes with security forces.
In Paris, masked individuals reportedly smashed shop windows and looted businesses around Place de la République. Videos circulating online showed crowds entering a Louis Vuitton store, while supermarkets, skincare outlets, sports shops and mobile phone stores were also targeted.
Other cities were hit by similar incidents. An Apple store in Lille and Hermès boutiques and other businesses in Marseille reportedly came under attack, while disturbances were also recorded in Lyon and Nice.
Police fired tear gas and deployed water cannons to disperse crowds as tensions escalated. Fires broke out at several locations, with vehicles and rubbish bins set ablaze in Paris.
In Lyon, a tourist office was reportedly set on fire, while protesters briefly entered the town hall in Marseille.
By late afternoon, authorities had reported more than 270 arrests nationwide as security forces moved to contain the unrest and prevent further destruction.
Officials blamed much of the violence and property damage on groups they described as far-left agitators, although the demonstrations also drew participants from trade unions and other sections of society protesting economic pressures.
