In brief
French President Emmanuel Macron has asked the nation to calm down as riots erupt across several cities. He highlighted anger over rising fuel and living costs, while condemning the violence that broke out. The president also promised transparency in police action and urged local leaders to protect businesses. Thousands protested peacefully before a few thousand took to streets, sparking clashes with riot police.
French President Emmanuel Macron called for calm and order during a live television address after a week of nationwide protests that turned into riots and looting in several cities, including Paris, Marseille and Lille.
The demonstrations were triggered by rising fuel prices and the high cost of living, with an estimated 550,000 people taking to the streets on Saturday. While most protests were peaceful, some crowds devolved into violent clashes, with unrest tearing through multiple urban centers.
Macron distinguished between “legitimate demands” of millions of citizens and “those who destroyed, smashed and looted.” He added that no one can justify the widespread vandalism that has taken place and said that offenders would be held to account.
In his speech he announced that local prefects and mayors, in partnership with national authorities, would step in to protect shops and public buildings. He urged the public to remain patient and cooperate with authorities as the police shift from crowd‑control tactics to investigative procedures.
Police forces used tear gas and water cannons over the weekend and have since recorded around 2,400 arrests. Nearly a thousand officers were injured, seven sustaining serious wounds, according to the interior ministry. Macron also pledged that the police response would be fully transparent so citizens can trust the law‑enforcement process.
