Around 1,500 shops and retail businesses were damaged during nationwide protests in France, with many looted, according to the head of the Retail and Trade Federation.

Axar.az reports, citing France 24, that Federation President Alexandre Bompard said the damage could cost businesses several hundred million euros, although the full financial impact has yet to be determined.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said police had arrested more than 1,800 people during demonstrations on Saturday. More than 500 police officers, gendarmes and firefighters were injured, he added.

In Paris, police detained 855 people, a record figure, while 517 people were being held in custody following the demonstrations, according to the public prosecutor’s office.

The protests, driven by anger over the cost of living, rising fuel prices and deteriorating conditions in public services, were largely peaceful before clashes, arson and looting erupted in several cities.

A fire at the town hall in Limoges was brought under control after the building was severely damaged. In Paris, a restaurant was gutted by fire.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced an interministerial crisis meeting to address the economic impact, insurance issues and legal proceedings following the widespread damage.