Madar (International) - A suspect linked to a far-left movement has been arrested over the fire that gutted the historic city hall of Limoges during weekend riots, French media reported, according to the BBC on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
FranceInfo and BFM TV said the 34-year-old suspect is known to police for acts of violence against public officials and is on a national security watchlist. The clock tower and parts of the roof of the 19th-century building were engulfed in flames before collapsing on Saturday.
Paris police meanwhile extended the overnight curfew in parts of the capital "for as long as it proves necessary". Marseille mayor Benoit Payan announced a curfew for minors in the city's commercial areas "starting this evening and for days to come". A curfew for parts of central Lyon was renewed, a week-long overnight curfew came into force in Bordeaux, and curfews in Nice and Lille remain in place.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu told parliament that a large number of police would face demonstrators at a protest planned for Saturday, accusing far-left groups of an "insurrectionary" plan. Jean-Luc Melenchon, de facto leader of La France Insoumise, had earlier told him to "prove his accusation" or apologise, and on Tuesday urged supporters to show "restraint" in the face of any "provocation".
Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin said 149 people were in detention following the protests. More than 2,500 people have been arrested since the unrest began and about 1,000 police officers injured, officials said. The protests began last month with students demanding better school conditions before widening to fuel prices, the cost of living and deteriorating public services.
