France Protests: 1,200 Arrested, 150 Police Injured in Nationwide Demonstrations
French authorities arrested 1,200 people and reported 150 police and gendarme injuries during nationwide protests on Saturday, which Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu described as a political maneuver involving violence. Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin instructed prosecutors to seek provisional detention for those arrested, citing "particularly violent and dangerous profiles." Lecornu said protesters in Paris targeted "centers of power" including the Élysée Palace, Matignon, and the National Assembly, adding "we will not be intimidated." The demonstrations drew 550,000 attendees per government figures, or over 800,000 per organizers, far exceeding official expectations of 150,000. Mayors of Paris, Marseille, and Lyon requested a meeting with Lecornu, citing severe damage, vandalism, and looting, including a fire at Limoges' historic city hall.