Macron Vows Action Against Rioters as France Records 1,800 Arrests

French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to hold accountable those responsible for rioting, looting and attacks on public buildings during nationwide protests over rising living costs and poor conditions in schools. At least 1,800 people have been arrested following widespread violence that damaged businesses, government buildings and public spaces across the country.

In a televised address on Sunday, Macron acknowledged the public's anger and shame over the destruction. He warned that those involved in looting would have to compensate for the damage, while those who sought to undermine the Republic would face accountability. He blamed the violence on radical far-left groups and criminals who exploited the demonstrations.

Macron had earlier convened an emergency meeting with senior government officials following Saturday's unrest. He instructed regional prefects to coordinate with mayors to protect public buildings and businesses in the coming weeks, including banning demonstrations when necessary.

The violence caused extensive damage in several cities. In Limoges, central France, a fire engulfed the 19th-century City Hall, causing its roof to collapse and nearly destroying the historic building. Regional prefect Maurice Barate said troublemakers deliberately set the building on fire despite the presence of elected representatives, employees, security personnel and members of the public.

Authorities estimated that around 550,000 people participated in protests nationwide, while organisers put the figure at approximately 800,000. The demonstrations followed calls from labour unions, student organisations and activists seeking to revive the Yellow Vest movement, which emerged in 2018 against social injustice.

In Paris, hundreds of protesters gathered again at Place de la République on Sunday amid a heavy police presence. Officers used tear gas as tensions flared, with small groups attempting to set bicycles and rubbish bins on fire. Dislodged cobblestones, shattered shopfronts and broken glass littered the area around the square.

Police reported 855 arrests in the Paris region, while the prosecutor's office said 557 people remained in custody. Looting and property damage were also reported in major shopping and tourist districts, including Paris, Marseille, Lyon and Bordeaux.

Residents expressed shock at the destruction. Government employee Marie Peyreigne, 57, said she was stunned by the scale of the violence. Jean Foissy, 74, described encountering riot police and fires while attempting to attend the protest. Margaux Eude, 26, who supported the movement, said the actions of troublemakers had undermined its legitimate demands.

Political leaders traded accusations as France looked ahead to next spring's presidential election. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen criticised Macron's government as exhausted and incapable of responding effectively. Far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon accused Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu of aggravating tensions, while insisting that supporters of the movement had no justification for looting or destruction.

US President Donald Trump also commented on the unrest through his Truth Social platform, linking it to immigration and urging France to strengthen border controls. However, French authorities have not linked immigrants to the rioting and have instead pointed to radical far-left groups and individuals who joined the protests to loot.

Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire described the damage as considerable and unprecedented, stressing that the capital must remain a city of freedom and protest while ensuring the safety of businesses and workers. The mayors of Paris, Marseille and Lyon requested a meeting with the prime minister to discuss the scale of the destruction.

In Marseille, protesters briefly entered City Hall's lobby, while masked individuals damaged a police station. In Lyon, a fire broke out inside a tourist office.

The unrest also resulted in serious injuries. Authorities in Mulhouse opened an investigation after a 17-year-old girl lost an eye, while another investigation followed an incident in Saint-Etienne in which a young protester lost a hand. The cases have intensified scrutiny of police use of grenades and other riot-control weapons.

Paris police also reported that one person died of a heart attack, although further details were not provided. The Paris prosecutor's office is investigating the death as France faces growing pressure to restore public order while addressing the social and economic grievances behind the demonstrations.