PARIS: Fresh clashes broke out in Paris on Sunday, a day after France witnessed one of its most serious episodes of unrest in years, as protests over rising prices left one demonstrator dead, thousands arrested and shops looted or damaged across the country.
Nationwide demonstrations escalated into riots on Saturday, with a town hall set on fire, shops ransacked and buildings covered in graffiti as violent groups clashed with police in several cities.
One protester died after suffering a cardiac arrest during demonstrations in Paris. According to France’s interior minister, police made more than 2,000 arrests nationwide, while more than 600 police officers were injured.
The unrest also disrupted visitors and businesses in the French capital. Dutch entrepreneur Tije De Boer, who had travelled to Paris with his children to visit a friend, described the situation as resembling a war zone.
He said the protests forced him to evacuate his hotel near Place de la République, one of the main trouble spots on Saturday.
Tensions remained high on Sunday afternoon as police again fired tear gas at protesters near Place de la République. Several bicycles were also set on fire, indicating that the unrest had not fully subsided in the capital.