French President Emmanuel Macron has called for calm and a return to public order after protests over rising fuel prices, the cost of living and deteriorating public services escalated into looting and violent clashes in major French cities over the weekend.
In a televised address from the Élysée Palace, Macron urged demonstrators not to escalate tensions and warned that those responsible for violence and destruction would face consequences.
“We all feel anger and shame. Those who looted will have to pay for the damage, and those who sought to overthrow the Republic will be held accountable,” the French president said.
Around 550,000 people took to the streets across France, with most demonstrations initially peaceful. Protesters voiced anger over rising fuel costs, the growing cost of living and the deterioration of public services, including schools.
Macron stressed the need to distinguish between what he described as protesters’ “legitimate demands” and those who engaged in destruction and looting.
Police arrested approximately 2,400 people, while France’s Interior Ministry reported that around 1,000 police officers were injured on Saturday, seven of them seriously.
“Nothing justifies” the uncontrolled violence witnessed during the demonstrations, Macron said, adding that those involved would be brought to justice.
Groups of demonstrators, some dressed in black and wearing masks, took to the streets of Paris, Marseille and other cities. Some set fire to cars and buildings, while looting and clashes with police continued on Sunday on a smaller scale in parts of Paris and Lyon.
In Paris, hundreds of people were reportedly exposed to tear gas and stun grenades as protesters again threw bottles and stones at police.
The unrest spread across the country, marking one of the most serious periods of public disorder in modern French history, according to the report.
In Limoges, the city hall, a 19th-century building, was completely gutted by a fire allegedly started by protesters on Saturday. The clock tower and roof collapsed as flames engulfed the building.
Looting was also reported in Paris, Marseille and Lille, as well as in other parts of the country.
Macron said local prefects and mayors would draw up measures to protect shops and public buildings. He also promised “full transparency” regarding the police response to the demonstrations.
During the weekend, security forces used tear gas and water cannons against crowds, while riot police were seen striking people with batons in several locations.
Student protests that began last month intensified sharply on Saturday, as trade union members and other anti-government groups joined the demonstrations, further escalating the political crisis.
