Historic Limoges town hall set on fire during cost of living protests

A group set fire to the 143-year-old town hall in Limoges, central France, on Saturday. Euronews and UkrMedia News reported that the blaze started during unrest that followed nationwide protests over the cost of living. Demonstrations escalated into violence across several French cities on Saturday. [1][2][7]

Local prefect Maurice Barate stated that the roof of the town hall collapsed onto the lower floors, leaving only the west wing intact. Euronews reported his statement that approximately two-thirds of the exterior of the building had disappeared. UkrMedia News and The Telegraph both noted that a tower or clock tower fell as the fire engulfed the structure. [1][2][6][7]

The incident occurred in Limoges, a central French municipality, while protests spread to other parts of the country. According to reports from Euronews and Ynetnews, violence flared in multiple French cities on the same day. [1][2][5]

Authorities have not yet released full details regarding potential casualties. Euronews reported that officials are still assessing the full extent of the structural damage to the town hall. [1][2]