Key facts
- Hundreds of arrests were made amid widespread looting and property damage.
- Over 600 police officers, gendarmes, and firefighters were injured.
- One demonstrator died from a heart attack during the protests.
French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to address the nation on Sunday evening following widespread unrest, looting, and hundreds of arrests across the country. The demonstrations, which began as student protests against rising living costs, have escalated into nationwide unrest, with footage showing burned-out cars and smashed store windows. The town hall in Limoges was set ablaze, causing its roof to partially collapse. U.S. President Donald Trump attributed the violence to immigration, stating "France is burning!" and urging border closures. U.S. Vice President JD Vance also criticized European leaders for importing "the third world into France." The French government, led by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, has described the events as "urban violence" and hopes a two-week school holiday will help quell the movement. The mayor of Limoges criticized the national police's handling of the situation, citing a lack of resources.