Whole streets in Paris ‘devastated’ by protests, says mayor, as France demonstrations continue – Europe live

More than 1,800 people have been arrested in France over protests on Saturday, the country’s interior minister Laurent Nunez has said.

Nunez, in a post on X, said “the Republic will not yield” as more than 500 police officers, gendarmes and firefighters have been injured in the demonstrations.

“The material damage is considerable,” Nunez added, pointing to damaged shops.

He blamed thousands of “far-left” protesters along with “criminals who looted and ransacked” buildings across France.

“The Republic will yield nothing to those who seek to impose disorder and violence,” he said.

Causing disorder through violence and in a coordinated manner is not.

Attacking our law enforcement officers, targeting our institutions, damaging public buildings, breaking into prefectures or town halls, and looting businesses – none of this can be justified.

Following the events of 17 October – which, in some cities, continued late into the night-I wish to express my sincere gratitude and full support to the police officers, gendarmes, and firefighters who intervened under extreme conditions all across France.

By midday – and as early as the morning in Marseille – thousands of far-left individuals, intent on attacking public buildings and confronting our law enforcement, began committing acts of violence.

They were subsequently joined by criminals who looted and ransacked numerous businesses in several French cities, including Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, Rennes, Strasbourg, Grenoble, Nice, Limoges, and many others.

As of now, 1,800 people have been arrested, and investigations are already under way to identify the perpetrators so that they may be held accountable before the justice system.

At this stage, more than 500 police officers, gendarmes, and firefighters have been injured amid this violence.

Sadly, this casualty count is only provisional. The material damage is substantial, affecting, among others, hundreds of business owners.

The Republic will not yield to those who seek to impose disorder and violence.

Fuente: The Guardian World