French President Emmanuel Macron is urging France to shut its borders over immigration following nationwide protests over rising living costs and poor school conditions. Violent demonstrations in several cities led to the collapse of a 19th-century City Hall and resulted in police arresting 1,800 people and injuring over 500 officers, gendarmes, and firefighters. The protests, involving around 550,000 people, have prompted a call for an emergency meeting with senior government officials on Sunday. Macron has been criticized for handling the situation.
Key points
French President Emmanuel Macron is urging France to shut its borders over immigration.: French President Emmanuel Macron is urging France to shut its borders over immigration.
Violent demonstrations in several cities led to the collapse of a 19th-century City Hall…: Violent demonstrations in several cities led to the collapse of a 19th-century City Hall and resulted in police arresting 1,800 people and injuring over 500 officers, gendarmes, and firefighters.
The protests, involving around 550,000 people, have prompted a call for an emergency meet…: The protests, involving around 550,000 people, have prompted a call for an emergency meeting with senior government officials on Sunday.
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The remarks come amid nationwide protests in France over rising living costs and poor conditions in schools that descended into violence, with police arresting at least 1,800 people. Violent groups clashed with officers, looted shops and set fires to public buildings in several cities. In Limoges, flames engulfed the 19th-century City Hall, causing its roof to collapse.
Authorities estimated that around 550,000 people took part in the demonstrations across France, while organisers put the turnout at about 800,000. More than 500 police officers, gendarmes and firefighters were injured, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nunez.
French President Emmanuel Macron was scheduled to hold an emergency meeting with senior government officials on Sunday before addressing the nation.
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