France Erupts in Chaos as Far-Left, Migrant Riots Leave 1,200 Arrested, 150 Police Injured

France descended into widespread violence Saturday as protests erupted into nationwide riots, leaving at least 1,200 people arrested, 150 law enforcement officers injured and historic government buildings destroyed by arson.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced the updated figures Saturday evening after meeting with riot police in Paris, warning that the country could be approaching a “point of no return.”

“It’s time to choose your side, either that of the Republic or that of the rioters,” Lecornu declared.

French officials blamed radical left-wing organizations for fueling the violence, which overshadowed demonstrations involving an estimated 550,000 participants nationwide.

In Paris, masked rioters reportedly targeted luxury retailers, including Galeries Lafayette, stealing designer clothing, jewelry, electronics and other merchandise. According to Le Figaro, looting reached unprecedented levels in several neighborhoods, with groups of young men dressed in black systematically raiding businesses.

Violence extended well beyond the capital.

In Limoges, arsonists reportedly destroyed the historic City Hall, built in 1883, causing its landmark tower to collapse. Rioters also torched a tourism office in Lyon, vandalized government buildings in Marseille and looted businesses in Nantes.

Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin called for an aggressive judicial response, instructing prosecutors to seek pretrial detention for suspects accused of attacking police officers, firefighters, government buildings and businesses.

Meanwhile, the left-wing mayors of Paris, Marseille and Lyon demanded an emergency meeting with Lecornu, citing extensive destruction and serious public safety concerns.

French authorities have accused the far-left La France Insoumise party, led by presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon, of helping radicalize the protest movement. The party denied responsibility.

Mélenchon instead blamed President Emmanuel Macron’s government, arguing that its financial mismanagement contributed to the unrest.

National Rally leader Marine Le Pen accused far-left activists of exploiting legitimate economic grievances to advance their political agenda.

Lecornu has also endorsed legislation requiring rioters to pay for damage rather than forcing taxpayers to shoulder the costs.