About 550,000 people took part in nationwide protests across France on Saturday, resulting in nearly 400 arrests and injuries to 60 internal security officers, French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said.
Speaking on media, Nunez condemned the violence, citing attacks on public buildings, police stations, and businesses. He said city hall intrusions or attempts in Marseille, Lille, Calais, and Angers, alongside actions at prefectures like Bordeaux, while opportunistic offenders looted shops in several cities.
According to media reports, the rallies brought together farmers, climate activists, trade unions, and students demanding action on fuel prices, living costs, education, and public services.
Protests severely disrupted public transport, leading Paris operator RATP to suspend service on over 10 metro lines and close several stations. The Louvre Museum limited visitor numbers, while the Orangerie Museum required reservations.
Stating violence has no place, President Emmanuel Macron warned on X that perpetrators of destruction, attacks on government offices, and looting will be prosecuted and punished. Expressing support for law enforcement, Macron declared, "We will stand united against those who sow chaos.".