The Limoges town hall fire led to an arrest in France after a weekend of mass disorder that left the 19th Century landmark severely damaged, according to French media. A suspect reportedly linked to a far-left movement was detained following the blaze that tore through the ornate building on Saturday.
The clock tower and sections of the roof of the Limoges city hall were consumed by flames before collapsing, authorities said. The 34-year-old suspect, known to police for violence against public officials and listed on a national security watchlist, was taken into custody, FranceInfo and BFM TV reported.
Limoges town hall fire prompts security response
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu told lawmakers that a large police deployment would be in place for demonstrations planned this Saturday. The move comes as officials impose tighter controls in cities affected by unrest and looting.
In Marseille, Mayor Benoît Payan said on X that the prefect had ordered a curfew for minors beginning Tuesday and running on selected nights in the days ahead. French media reported the measure would apply overnight from Tuesday to Friday in commercial districts that were hit by looting last weekend.
Paris also extended its overnight curfew. The Préfecture de Police said the measure would remain in force for as long as necessary.
Detentions and calls for firm prosecutions
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said 149 people were in detention after widespread demonstrations over the weekend. He has instructed prosecutors to be “extremely firm” and “ruthless” toward those accused of attacks on police, gendarmes and firefighters, as well as looting and assaults on public buildings.
Hundreds of thousands of people marched nationwide to protest rising fuel prices, the cost of living and what demonstrators describe as deteriorating public services, including schools.
Government under pressure over policing
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez acknowledged that police had “lost control” in some cities during the unrest. Facing criticism from opposition parties over preparedness, he offered his resignation on Monday. President Emmanuel Macron rejected the offer.
Lecornu said the government intends to prevent a repeat of last weekend’s disorder, reiterating plans for a significant security presence at upcoming protests.