The key facts

  • At least 3,000 stores across the country were looted or damaged
  • Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced new curfews starting Tuesday
  • The United States, China, and Germany issued travel advisories for their citizens in France

Scale of Damage

On Saturday, France experienced some of the most serious riots in recent years, occurring just six months before the election of President Emmanuel Macron's successor. Footage of clashes and burned or damaged public buildings spread worldwide, prompting several countries, including the United States, China, and Germany, to issue travel advisories for their citizens in France. According to available data, at least 3,000 stores across the country were looted or damaged, sparking anger among local residents.

Testimony from a Pharmacy Owner

A pharmacy owner in Paris named Odile told Euronews about the extent of the damage: 'Everything is destroyed, everything. I have no stock left; they burned it all.' She also stated: 'I don't even understand how one can set fire to a building when there are residential apartments upstairs,' and added: 'They behaved like animals. They ripped out my water heater. They tore off the light fixtures. Is this how they protest against the high cost of living?'

Government Response

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced that new curfews would be implemented in necessary areas starting Tuesday. According to him, measures introduced in several cities the previous day 'helped keep the night calm.' Under pressure, the government scheduled a new series of emergency meetings for Tuesday, including negotiations involving representatives from major social media platforms.