Social conflicts: Serious unrest in France - protests also in Belgium, Portugal, Italy

Paris. After a day of protests across France with massive riots and looting, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu complained about targeted attacks on the country's centers of power. “It is obvious that the centers of power in Paris have been targeted: the Élysée Palace, the seat of government, the National Assembly,” he said after an emergency government meeting late in the evening. He denounced “appalling levels of violence.” There were 1,200 arrests nationwide.

The situation remained tense even late in the evening. In the central French city of Limoges, firefighters battled a fire set by rioters that largely destroyed the large, historic town hall. Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire expressed concern on BFMTV because looters were still on the move in parts of the capital.

The nationwide protests against high costs of living resulted in violence in many cities and property damage costing millions. Masked rioters attacked town halls, police stations and other government buildings. According to current information, 60 police officers were injured.

The police faced “a particularly violent ultra-left group” throughout the day, Lecornu said. He spoke of “a very well-organized, opaque group that methodically tried to attack property, people, but also the institutions of the republic.” It is “a political maneuver that condones violence.” The Prime Minister emphasized: “We will not be intimidated by this.”