Paris protests turn violent, dozens arrested as streets are set ablaze

The anti-living-cost demonstrations across France erupted into violent riots on Saturday, prompting the capital’s mayor, Emmanuel Grégoire, to lament a heavy toll as whole streets were methodically wrecked. Police recorded 195 arrests by late afternoon, after the procession was redirected from Place de la République to Place de Clichy. At the Republic square, a bus shelter was ignited, producing a thick white tear-gas plume that mingled with black smoke from a burning car and truck.

Hundreds of participants launched fireworks, mortars and stones at officers, who deployed water cannons and tear-gas in response. Several shops—including a sports retailer, an SFR store, an Yves Rocher boutique and a McDonald’s—were vandalised and looted, with merchandise thrown to the crowd. A rogue march was stopped less than 500 m from the Élysée, and protesters tried to force entry into the Ministry of Agriculture near Matignon.