More than 2,000 people have been arrested across France following nationwide demonstrations against rising living costs, as clashes with security forces, fires and widespread looting left hundreds injured and businesses severely damaged.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced on Sunday that more than 600 police officers, gendarmes and firefighters had sustained injuries during the unrest.
In a statement on X, Nuñez said the casualty figures were preliminary and that investigations were continuing to identify those responsible for the violence.
Saturday’s demonstrations attracted approximately 550,000 participants nationwide, including 110,000 in Paris, according to Interior Ministry estimates. Protest organisers, however, placed the overall turnout at around 800,000.
The mobilisation brought together Yellow Vest groups, trade unions, students and farmers, all protesting against increasing financial pressures.
Although the main demonstration in Paris proceeded without major disturbances, violence broke out on the sidelines of protests in several French cities.
A demonstrator died after collapsing on Boulevard Magenta in Paris. Police said the individual had suffered cardiorespiratory arrest.
Meanwhile, French newspaper Le Parisien reported that a 17-year-old lost a hand after being struck by a police grenade in Saint-Étienne.
Authorities also reported extensive property damage, with shops looted and buildings vandalised in cities including Marseille, Lyon and Bordeaux.
In Limoges, a major fire devastated the city’s historic town hall.
The economic impact of the unrest is expected to be substantial. Alexandre Bompard, president of the Federation of Commerce and Distribution and chief executive of Carrefour, said approximately 1,500 retailers had been affected.
He estimated the damage at “hundreds of millions of euros.”
Paris police had earlier reported 855 arrests, while prosecutors separately announced 720 arrests, including 517 individuals placed in custody. Officials cautioned that these figures were still being finalised.
Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire announced the establishment of an emergency task force to support businesses affected by the disturbances.
The initiative will focus on assessing property damage, assisting shopkeepers and helping businesses navigate administrative and insurance procedures.
Grégoire also scheduled a meeting for Monday with business representatives, chambers of commerce, insurance companies and government agencies to coordinate recovery efforts.
French authorities said investigations into the violence and destruction would continue as the country assessed the human and financial consequences of the demonstrations.