In brief
Over half a million people marched in cities across France on Saturday to protest rising living costs, but the demonstrations spiralled into violent looting that damaged around 1,500 shops and businesses. The government ordered a crisis cabinet session, with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez discussing police readiness and accountability. President Emmanuel Macron called for calm and unity, yet critics accuse the administration of being unprepared, sparking a national debate over security, public services and the looming presidential election.
Over half a million people marched in cities across France on Saturday to protest rising living costs, but the demonstrations spiralled into violent looting that damaged around 1,500 shops and businesses.
Police fired tear gas and deployed water cannons at crowds, while riot units reported seeing batons used on protesters in several places. Around 1,000 officers were injured on the day, including seven seriously, according to the Interior Ministry.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez offered to resign, yet President Macron asked him to outline measures to keep streets safe and to bring rioters to justice. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu convened a crisis cabinet meeting to assess the unrest and plan a response.
Students, teachers and trade unions accuse the government of “incompetence” over the cost‑of‑living crisis and a decline in public services. They fear that cuts in welfare could spark further protests.
While Macron addressed the nation with a televised speech demanding unity, critics say it lacked concrete details about curfews, emergency powers or compensation for destroyed businesses.
Amid calls for law‑and‑order, political rivals from both the right and left are preparing for a presidential election slated for six months from now. The situation remains tense, with new protests scheduled for early November.
