Despite his condemnation of the violence, Macron insisted that the government must acknowledge the concerns driving the demonstrations.
French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed strict action against those involved in rioting and looting across the country, declaring that anyone who sought to undermine the Republic would be held accountable. His remarks came after nationwide protests against the rising cost of living and deteriorating public services descended into some of France’s worst unrest in recent years, leaving two people dead and hundreds injured.
Government to engage protesters as political tensions rise
More than 600 police officers were reportedly injured, while a police officer and a protester died in separate incidents linked to the unrest. The protests, which drew an estimated 550,000 people according to authorities, were organised amid growing anger over fuel prices, living costs and deteriorating public services, including schools. A 22-year-old police officer died in Nantes after being struck by a vehicle, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez.
Addressing the nation on Sunday evening, Macron said the violence had left the country feeling both “anger and shame”, as authorities reported around 2,400 arrests following clashes between protesters and police. He said he had asked the government to bring together students, teachers, trade unionists and other stakeholders this week to discuss concrete proposals addressing their concerns. Masked groups set fire to buildings, attacked public infrastructure and looted businesses in several cities, including Paris, Marseille, Lyon and Limoges. The president blamed what he described as radical far-left groups and criminal elements for the destruction, while stressing that the legitimate grievances of peaceful demonstrators should not be confused with acts of violence. Separately, a protester died following a cardiorespiratory arrest near Paris, with authorities investigating the circumstances. Macron also instructed regional prefects to coordinate with mayors to protect public buildings and businesses, including through protest bans where necessary. The unrest has also intensified political divisions ahead of France’s next presidential election. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen criticised Macron’s government as exhausted and incapable of responding effectively, while left-wing leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon accused Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu of escalating tensions through his handling of the situation.