Angrily criticize the thugs for trying to overthrow the republic! 2,400 people arrested in French riots, Macron vows to pursue them to the end

A 19th-century town hall in Limoges, central France, was hit by fire during demonstrations. The roof collapsed and the building was almost completely destroyed.

Nationwide demonstrations in France continue to escalate with violent incidents such as arson, looting and attacks on public buildings. The police have arrested at least 2,400 people. French President Macron issued a national television address on the 18th, condemning violence and looting, warning that those who attempt to overthrow the republic's system will be held accountable, and asked local officials to strengthen the protection of public buildings and businesses, and ban protests if necessary.

The Associated Press reported that this wave of demonstrations stemmed from public dissatisfaction with the rising cost of living and poor school environment. French authorities estimate that about 550,000 people participated in demonstrations across the country on the 17th, while organizers estimated that about 800,000 people took to the streets. Most demonstrations were held peacefully, but arson, vandalism, and shops were looted in some cities. A 19th-century city hall in Limoges was also affected by fire. The roof collapsed and the building was almost completely destroyed.

Macron issued a televised speech on the 18th after holding an emergency meeting with senior government officials, saying that French society was "angry" and "ashamed" of violence and plunder. He accused members of radical far-left groups of working with criminals to cause chaos and said those who looted shops must pay for their losses and those who attempted to overthrow the republic would be held accountable.

Macron also asked provincial governors to cooperate with local mayors to protect public buildings and businesses and ban protests if necessary. French Interior Minister Nunes also posted on the social platform X that protesting is a basic right, but deliberately creating chaos through violence is not.

855 people were arrested in Paris, approaching the scale of the yellow vest movement in a single day

The tension in Paris remained unresolved on the 18th. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in the Republic Square area, and the police deployed a large number of police officers and fired tear gas in local conflicts. Burnt bicycles, trash cans, broken storefront glass and damaged street furniture were seen at the scene.

Paris police said that a total of 855 people were arrested in the greater Paris area, and prosecutors pointed out that 557 of them are still in police custody. The number of arrests of at least 2,400 people across France has exceeded the number of nearly 2,000 people arrested nationwide in a single day during the "yellow vest" movement in December 2018.