Limoges City Hall Destroyed by Fire
Rioters set fire to the historic Limoges City Hall in France, causing significant damage to the building. The incident occurred amidst ongoing protests and clashes across the country.
What happened
- In Limoges, France, rioters set fire to the city hall.
- The building, constructed in 1883 and designated a historic landmark in 1975, sustained extensive damage.
- Prefect Maurice Barate reported that the roof collapsed and two-thirds of the exterior were destroyed.
- Barate attributed the act to "hooligans" and described it as a "catastrophe for heritage."
- The destruction coincided with ongoing anti-government protests and violent clashes across France, particularly concerning the cost of living.
- Outgoing President Emmanuel Macron stated that "there is no place for violence in our republic" and vowed to prosecute those involved.
- Approximately 400 people were arrested during the demonstrations, and masked groups attempted to attack prefectures, businesses, and police stations in multiple cities, including Lille, Calais, and Brest.
- Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez blamed "extremely violent, radical far-left groups" for the unrest.