Widespread disorder across France continued Saturday night as the historic city hall in Limoges was set on fire during riots that broke out following cost-of-living protests. The fire spread rapidly, destroying the building's roof and causing the city hall tower to collapse.
According to reports, thousands of people took part in the demonstration in the city, which ended in violent clashes. Masked rioters set a police vehicle on fire, smashed windows, broke into the city hall building and set it ablaze. Firefighters worked to prevent the fire from spreading throughout the structure, which was inaugurated in 1883.
The regional prefect said that a large part of the building was lost, while a city hall employee who was present at the scene broke down in tears at the sight of the destruction. "It's a disaster. Unbelievable and unacceptable," said one witness at the scene.
At the same time, reports came in of vehicles being torched, shops looted and clashes with security forces throughout the city. Riots and disorder were also recorded in Paris, Marseille and other cities across France.
