France: 855 people arrested in Paris after violent protests

French law enforcement arrested 855 people in Paris on Saturday during protests organized against conditions in schools and the high cost of living. The prefecture announced on Sunday that the extent of the damage caused by acts of vandalism and looting in the capital was significant.

Demonstrations took place in several cities, from Paris to Marseille, six months before the presidential election. The mobilization brought together hundreds of thousands of people, but the protests degenerated into clashes with law enforcement and acts of destruction.

Lamia El Aaraje, the socialist first deputy mayor of Paris, described the violence as unprecedented for the French capital. The government strongly condemned the incidents and denounced the looting and vandalism.

In Limoges, a fire that broke out during the protests severely damaged the city hall. The fire was brought under control, but the historic part of the building, dating from the 19th century, was almost completely destroyed inside. Prefect Maurice Barate stated that the fire had been deliberately set. Approximately 5,000 people took part in the demonstration in the city, including several hundred individuals considered radicalized and extremely violent.