Unrest across Europe leaves destruction in wake
Far-left demonstrations and riots have spread across France and other parts of Europe, triggering violent confrontations between police and protesters and causing fires that damaged businesses and public infrastructure. (Credit: Reuters)
A historic landmark in Limoges, roughly three hours south of Paris, has been described as “largely lost” after rioters set the building ablaze amid continuing protests across France.
Constructed in 1883, Limoges Town Hall was officially designated a historic landmark in 1975.
“The roof has collapsed onto the lower floors, except for the west wing, and two-thirds of the exterior has already disappeared,” local prefect Maurice Barate told the AFP news agency.
The roof of the tower at the 143-year-old Limoges Town Hall collapses.
Barate described the blaze as “a deliberate act by hooligans” and called the damage “a catastrophe for heritage.”
The destruction occurred as anti-government protests led by far-left groups entered their fourth week, with demonstrators voicing anger over the rising cost of living.
Outgoing President Emmanuel Macron wrote on social media Saturday: “There is no place for violence in our republic.”
Fire engulfs Limoges Town Hall after rioters entered the historic building during a demonstration against the “high cost of living” in Limoges, central France, on Saturday. (Pascal Lachenaud / AFP via Getty Images)
NEXT UP: 2 Killed, Including Child, as Vehicle Enters Kansas Soccer Field
“Those who have broken into or attacked prefectures and businesses, and even looted our town halls, will be prosecuted and punished,” Macron said, according to a translation from French. “To the law enforcement forces, guarantors of the right to demonstrate, I express the support of the Nation. We will all stand united against the sowers of chaos, who seek only to bring down our institutions and prevent those who peacefully express their demands from doing so.”
Macron is expected to leave office in six months.
A fire erupts at Limoges Town Hall during a demonstration in Limoges, central France, on Saturday. (Elise Cabane / Hans Lucas / AFP via Getty Images)
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said approximately 400 people were arrested Saturday, as more than 500,000 demonstrators joined over 100 marches nationwide.
Nuñez also said masked groups tried to force their way into city halls in Lille and Calais, as well as a police station in Brest. Violence was reported in Rennes, Toulouse, Montpellier and Grenoble, among other cities.
Fire destroys Limoges Town Hall after rioters entered the historic building during protests over the “high cost of living” in Limoges, central France. (Pascal Lachenaud / AFP via Getty Images)
Nuñez attributed the unrest to “extremely violent, radical far-left groups.”
Although many demonstrations remained peaceful, others escalated into riots. In Paris, police used tear gas and water cannons Saturday to push back violent groups after hooded and masked protesters threw fireworks and other objects at officers near the Place de la République.
