'I've never seen such destruction': Parisians react to destruction after weekend protests

Paris residents surveyed the damage after overnight clashes and looting during nationwide demonstrations over rising living costs and poor school conditions. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Around Place de la République, shattered shopfronts, broken glass and damaged bus stops marked the aftermath of the unrest. Looting and damage were also reported in other shopping and tourist areas of the French capital. "I tried to access the protest, but I was immediately tear-gassed," a woman said. A 74-year-old Paris resident said he had been frightened by the violence, but stressed that the young people had been demonstrating joyfully. "I was really scared. I've been a Parisian since I was born, so when I got here, it almost made me want to cry because I find it so bad, it hurts me," he explained. According to a young resident, troublemakers undermined a legitimate protest movement through violence.