Residents in France's Limoges have expressed shock and outrage after their historic 19th-century city hall was set alight and left destroyed after student protests which erupted across the nation descended into violent chaos.
Demonstrations that began with students demanding better school conditions and more teaching staff broadened into nationwide unrest over rising living costs and wider social grievances. Violence soon erupted on the sidelines of some rallies, with clashes, looting and arson reported in several cities.
The distinctive city hall in Limoges, where generations had come to celebrate weddings or the birth of a child, was largely destroyed by fire on October 17.
The destruction of the 143-year-old building, seen as a symbolic landmark of the city, has left members of the local community in mourning.
"I feel very sad, it's not even anger, the first feeling is sadness," said Clara, a local resident.
"This was an attack on the Republic, on a symbol of the Republic. I thought I was in a nightmare, in a movie. I condemn these acts of extreme violence and all those responsible must be severely punished," said Jean-Claude Leblois, president of the Departmental Council of Haute-Vienne.
On Tuesday, a suspect linked to a far-left movement was arrested for the devastating fire in Limoges.
Many are struggling to understand how the protests have escalated to this deeply troubling extent. At the local university in Limoges, student Pierre Banquey described a sense of unease among his peers.
"Students fear we have no future in our country now," he said.
What began as a series of well-meaning protests about improving education have since morphed into a much deeper issue across the nation.
Unions got involved, decrying low wages and the spiraling cost of living, but many are worried by how violent groups -- including those clad in black clothing and wearing masks to hide their identify -- have hijacked the marches, causing criminal damage and committing theft.
"The students are peaceful and they are infiltrated by this 'Black Bloc' group of violence," Banquey said.
French President Emmanuel Macron told media on Wednesday that the government will use all available legal tools to stop such violent scenes from reoccurring.
Residents express shock, anger after historic town hall in Limoges destroyed amid violent protests
Residents express shock, anger after historic town hall in Limoges destroyed amid violent protests
