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Fire Rages at Town Hall in France's Limoges After Protests: Authorities
Authorities said the 143-year-old municipal building was nearly destroyed as nationwide demonstrations turned violent, leaving 60 security forces injured and 400 people arrested.
On Saturday, October 17, 2026, rioters set fire to the 143-year Limoges City Hall in France, causing the roof to collapse during widespread nationwide unrest.
The violence erupted during nationwide demonstrations against the rising cost of living, declining public services, and increasing fuel prices, with participants including supporters of the Yellow Vest movement.
Local prefect Maurice Barate reported the roof collapsed onto lower floors as two-thirds of the building's facade disappeared, while authorities documented 400 arrests nationwide during the unrest.
In Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, masked rioters clashed with police who deployed tear gas and stun grenades to disperse crowds; looters targeted businesses including an Apple store.
Critics of the protests accused radical far-left groups of using demonstrations as a violent show of force ahead of next year's presidential election, as authorities continue assessing building damage.