Various buildings and official monuments have been targeted across the country.
A historic town hall in the French city of Limoges was damaged in what appeared to be an arson attack on Saturday. One of the main tourist offices in the city of Lyon was set ablaze. In Bordeaux, the prefect’s residence was attacked, according to local authorities.
Macron addressed the nation on Sunday, acknowledging the public’s “anger” and “shame” over the rioting that accompanied the demonstrations. “Those who looted will have to pay for the damage, and those who sought to bring down the Republic will be held accountable,” Macron vowed in a televised address.
Protests spread across France
Throughout September, students across France blockaded schools and demonstrated against, what they say is, a poorly-funded high school system. The protests went nationwide on Oct. 6, when more than 250,000 people took to streets across with teachers, parents, and union activists joining marches.