Limoges town hall, a 143-year-old landmark, gutted in fire during violent protests in France
A 143-year-old town hall in the French city of Limoges, which served as a hub for resistance activities during Nazi occupation and hosted Belgium’s government-in-exile in 1940, has been largely destroyed after protesters set it ablaze during violent demonstrations over the cost of living, school conditions and public services. An estimated 550,000 people took part in the marches, according to the French interior ministry.
Local officials said around two-thirds of the historic building had been destroyed in the fire, describing the damage as a “catastrophe for heritage”. The Belgian representatives condemned King Leopold III’s decision to surrender to the Nazi threat and established their offices in the town hall and the prefecture. Belgian flags were flown alongside French ones, turning the municipal building into a centre of activity for the government-in-exile. Lucien Berdasé, who worked in the municipal administration, helped resistance fighters by sabotaging lists of Jewish residents, preparing false documents and concealing weapons stored in the building. He also arranged travel permits for vehicles used by the *Maquis*, the French resistance fighters. The latest destruction comes amid wider unrest across Europe over economic pressures and public services. In France, the demonstrations followed student-led protests last month and expanded into a broader movement against rising living costs and what protesters described as government inaction. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned those responsible for violence and looting, warning that people who attacked public offices, businesses and town halls would face prosecution and punishment.
The destruction came as protests swept across France on Saturday, with demonstrations over rising fuel prices, inflation and deteriorating public services turning violent in several cities.