Paris protester says riots left parts of the city in ruins

An Icelandic woman who joined Saturday’s protests in Paris said most people demonstrating in France had been peaceful, despite violent unrest that left parts of the city badly damaged, mbl.is reported.

Kristín Jónsdóttir, who lives just outside Paris, travelled into the city to take part. She said she joined the march after it had begun and spent the day walking with cheerful protesters chanting slogans.

About half a million people took part in protests across France over the weekend against the high cost of living. The demonstrations were followed by serious riots, in what the article described as some of the worst violence to hit the country in years.

Kristín said she avoided the unrest but later saw its effects, including burned cars and rubbish bins, damage and break-ins at shops. She said rioters usually appeared towards the end of demonstrations but had started early on Saturday.

She described the rioters as anarchists and people strongly opposed to the authorities, saying they were not the people marching or chanting for the cause.

Kristín also said police had underestimated the situation and responded too aggressively. She said officers used tear gas against a peaceful crowd at Place de la République, a Paris square, and against a band playing classical music. She described the police as frightened, understaffed and poorly trained.

Kristín said the situation in France was at a stalemate. No further large marches had been announced, and President Macron had said such marches would not be allowed. She said she did not know what would happen next, but would not stand alongside people causing disorder.