LIMOGES: French police arrested a suspect on Tuesday in the investigation into the Limoges town hall fire. Saturday’s blaze severely damaged the 19th-century building during nationwide unrest over the cost of living and public services.
Flames engulfed the clock tower and sections of the roof before they collapsed. France’s Counter-Terrorism Sub-Directorate has joined the inquiry, which falls under its remit to investigate violent extremism.
However, national anti-terror prosecutors have not taken over the case. Meanwhile, Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said more than 120 people had entered prison following the wider disorder.
He urged prosecutors to act firmly against people who attacked emergency workers, looted shops or damaged public buildings. Officials put nationwide arrests at more than 2,500 on Monday.
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Darmanin opposed declaring a state of emergency, arguing it would restrict freedoms nationwide. But Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has kept that option open.
Lecornu credited targeted curfews introduced on Monday with helping restore calm overnight. He said local authorities would decide where further restrictions were necessary.
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In Marseille, Mayor Benoît Payan announced a curfew for minors from Tuesday evening in commercial areas affected by weekend looting.
Protests began last month with students demanding better school conditions. They later drew trade unions and other groups protesting fuel prices, living costs and deteriorating public services.
The head of France’s Chambers of Commerce and Industry said the weekend’s violence affected more than 2,000 businesses. Protest organisers have called for another round of nationwide demonstrations on Saturday.
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French police arrested a suspect in the Limoges town hall fire inquiry as authorities imposed curfews following nationwide unrest over living costs.
