France reports more than 2,000 arrests after Yellow Vest protests marred by violence

Over 600 police officers, gendarmes, and firefighters were injured, Nunez said on US social media company X.

He said the injury toll remained provisional and investigations were underway to identify those responsible, while several hundred businesses sustained considerable material damage.

Alexandre Bompard, president of the Federation of Commerce and Distribution and chief executive of Carrefour, said 1,500 retailers had been affected, estimating damage at “hundreds of millions of euros.”

Saturday’s demonstrations drew 550,000 people nationwide, including 110,000 in Paris, according to the Interior Ministry, while organizers put the turnout at around 800,000.

The mobilization brought together Yellow Vest collectives, trade unions, students, and farmers. While the main Paris march passed without any major incidents, violence erupted on the sidelines of demonstrations in several cities.

A demonstrator died after collapsing on Boulevard Magenta in Paris, with police reporting that the individual had suffered cardiorespiratory arrest. Le Parisien also reported that a 17-year-old lost a hand when struck by a police grenade in Saint-Etienne.

Paris police earlier announced 855 arrests, while prosecutors separately reported 720 arrests, including 517 people held in custody, adding that the figures had yet to be finalized.

In Limoges, a fire devastated the historic city hall. Shops were also looted and buildings damaged in cities including Marseille, Lyon, and Bordeaux.

Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire announced an emergency task force to assist affected businesses, assess damage, and facilitate administrative and insurance procedures.

He also announced a meeting Monday with business owners, chambers of commerce, insurers, and government agencies.

“This Saturday, numerous businesses were targeted by unacceptable violence and looting. The extent of the damage is considerable and unprecedented,” he wrote in an open letter.

“Nothing can justify such acts. No anger, no demand, however legitimate, can authorize attacks on those who work, who are driven entrepreneurs, and who keep our city alive every day.”

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu will chair an interministerial crisis meeting at 7 pm on Sunday (1700GMT) to address the economic impact, insurance, and judicial follow-up. He will also meet with the mayors of Paris, Marseille, and Lyon, who demanded explanations over police resources and the handling of the unrest.

National Assembly President Yael Braun-Pivet is considering establishing a parliamentary commission of inquiry and will meet with parliamentary group leaders Tuesday, BFMTV reported.

Calls for renewed gatherings Sunday in Paris and other major French cities circulated on social media, including a rally at Place de la Republique at 2 pm (1200GMT), raising fears among shopkeepers of further violence.

Lecornu blamed the “ultra-left” for the violence, while opposition figures criticized policing tactics.

Green politician Marine Tondelier and lawmaker Alexis Corbiere called for Nunez’s resignation, while the far-right National Rally renewed its demand that he step down.