A historic building in the French town of Limoges, located about three hours south of Paris, has suffered significant damage after it was set on fire by rioters. The Limoges Town Hall, built in 1883 and designated as a historic landmark in 1975, has largely been destroyed, according to local authorities.
The roof of the building has collapsed onto lower floors, except for the west wing, and a significant portion of the exterior has been lost. The prefect of the region, Maurice Barate, described the incident as a "deliberate act by hooligans" and a "catastrophe for heritage."
The destruction occurred as anti-government protests and violent clashes continued across France, now in their fourth week. The unrest is centered on concerns about the cost of living, and has resulted in widespread demonstrations and clashes between protesters and law enforcement.
Outgoing President Emmanuel Macron has condemned the violence, stating that "there is no place for violence in our republic." He has also pledged to prosecute and punish those responsible for attacking prefectures, businesses, and town halls.
The Interior Minister, Laurent Nuñez, has reported that around 400 people were arrested on Saturday as more than half a million people took part in over 100 marches across the country. Masked groups attempted to break into city halls and a police station in several cities, and violence was reported in various locations, including Rennes, Toulouse, and Grenoble.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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