Mayor seeks contact with Macron

The mayor of Limoges, Guillaume Guérin, expressed surprise at not receiving a call from French President Emmanuel Macron after a fire at the city hall on October 17. Guérin said he had initiated communication with the Elysée Palace but had not received any response from Macron, either by phone or SMS.

Unexpected message from US vice president

Guérin mentioned he had received an email from JD Vance, the vice president of the United States, which he described as unexpected. He also praised the actions of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu during his visit to Limoges.

Fire during cost-of-living protests

The fire occurred during a mobilization against the high cost of living, leading to significant violence in the city center. Vandals entered the city hall and set it on fire, nearly destroying its historic part, which was inaugurated in 1883.

Damage and investigation

The historic part of the city hall was nearly 100% destroyed, with the roof and belfry collapsing. The modern part of the building was saved by firefighters. Two suspects were arrested and placed under formal investigation for the fire, which is being probed under the charge of "attempted murder of a public authority representative."

Mayor calls incident incomprehensible

Guérin described the fire as "incomprehensible" on both moral and political levels. He emphasized that the city hall serves the most vulnerable members of the community, stating that those who destroyed the building were targeting the "house of the people," not that of a CAC 40 entrepreneur.

Concerns over future protests

As the dates of upcoming mobilization days approach, including a "yellow vests" day of action on October 31 and a national day of strikes and demonstrations on November 5, Guérin expressed concern about the potential for similar incidents. He requested additional police personnel for the October 31 demonstration and called on the government to address social frustrations, particularly regarding the cost of living.