Paris: Stores belonging to Louis Vuitton, Hermès and Apple were reportedly looted on Saturday, 17 October, as demonstrations against rising living costs spread across France, resulting in clashes with police, damage to businesses and arrests.
Protests took place in Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux and Lille, with demonstrators raising concerns over living costs, public spending and conditions in schools.
While many demonstrations remained peaceful, groups of individuals broke into shops, damaged storefronts and removed merchandise. Reports indicated that the unrest targeted luxury retailers, electronics outlets and other businesses.
According to reports, masked individuals smashed shop windows and entered commercial premises, while vehicles and public buildings were also damaged in several cities.
The unrest followed weeks of student demonstrations over education funding and public services, with trade unions and other groups joining protests against government policies.
French police deployed tear gas and water cannons as clashes broke out between officers and groups of demonstrators. Authorities made more than 2400 arrests as the unrest continued over the weekend.
President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence and called for calm, while acknowledging public concerns over living costs and access to services.
The government attributed the violence to groups it described as far left extremists and individuals involved in criminal activity. Opposition figures also criticised the government's handling of the protests and the economic conditions behind them.
Businesses began assessing damage on Sunday as workers cleared broken glass and debris from affected shopping areas. Retailers reported losses from stolen merchandise, damaged premises, and operational interruptions.
The incidents have raised concerns among business owners over security and the financial consequences of the unrest.
French authorities continue investigating the violence, while the government faces demands to address the economic and social grievances behind the demonstrations.
