In brief
President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation from the Élysée Palace, demanding calm amid widespread unrest that began with peaceful protests over rising costs but devolved into riots and looting. Over 550,000 demonstrators marched in cities such as Paris, Marseille and Lille, calling for lower fuel prices and better public services. Macron condemned the "unbridled" violence, stressing that those who destroyed property would face justice, while 2,400 arrests were already made and about 1,000 police officers were injured. The president called on local authorities to protect shops and infrastructure and promised full transparency on the police response. French officials say police used tear gas and water cannon, and riot police batons were deployed in several hotspots.
President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation from the Élysée Palace, urging calm and order after protests that began peacefully but turned into widespread looting and arson across France.
He said the country feels anger and shame, stressing that the legitimate demands of demonstrators over fuel prices and public services must be distinguished from those who have destroyed property. The president condemned the “unbridled” violence and promised that those involved would face justice.
Over 550,000 people marched on Saturday in cities such as Paris, Marseille and Lille, demanding lower living costs and better public services. Police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse crowds, and riot police were seen striking with batons. Around 2,400 people have already been arrested, and about 1,000 police officers were injured, seven of them seriously.
Macron called on prefects and mayors nationwide to protect shops and buildings and pledged full transparency regarding the police response. He concluded that the nation must avoid a further escalation of violence and that order must be restored swiftly.
