The key facts

  • Overnight clashes and looting took place during nationwide protests against rising prices and poor conditions in schools
  • Around Place de la République, shop windows were smashed and transit shelters damaged; damage was also reported in other shopping and tourist areas
  • Residents assess the events differently: fear, pain, and the view that rioters discredited a legitimate protest

Damage in central Paris after the protests

Paris residents were assessing the damage after overnight clashes and looting during nationwide demonstrations triggered by the rising cost of living and poor conditions in schools. Around Place de la République, shop windows were smashed, along with glass and damaged public transport shelters. Reports of looting and damage also came in from other shopping and tourist areas of the French capital.

Reaction of city residents

City residents reacted to what happened in different ways. One woman said she had tried to join the protest but was immediately hit by tear gas. A 74-year-old Parisian said he was frightened by the violence, while emphasizing that the young people were demonstrating joyfully. 'I was genuinely scared. I have been a Parisian since birth, and when I came here, my eyes nearly welled up — I feel so bad about this, it hurts me,' he said. In the view of a young female resident, the instigators of the unrest undermined the legitimate protest movement through violence.