France: Riots leave trail of devastation in several cities

Farida, resident: It is heartbreaking to see our city this way. This is incredible.

Marseille after the riots: France experienced the worst political unrest in years at the weekend. More than half a million people were on the streets.

Police used tear gas and water cannons. Across the country, more than 2000 people were arrested and hundreds of officials and protesters were injured. Numerous businesses were also looted.

The extent of the devastation leaves even the rioting French at a loss.

Farida, a local resident: “If every demonstration ends with all the shop windows being smashed and businesses being devastated – then it simply cannot continue.” ‘

The protest wave had begun in September – at that time it was about grievances in schools. Meanwhile, the demonstrations are generally directed against social inequality, cuts in public spending and high living costs.

After the unrest over the weekend, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez offered to resign. President Emmanuel Macron refused. The Minister should remain in office to maintain the chain of command within the police and security forces.

The unrest put Macron and his political camp under increasing pressure ahead of the presidential election next April. Polls indicate a victory for right-wing populist Marine Le Pen. After the protests, Macron has now pledged to respond to the concerns of the population – without making any concrete commitments.