French President Emmanuel Macron has issued a strong appeal for "calm and order" following a weekend of intense protests that transformed into widespread rioting and looting. Speaking from the Élysée Palace, the president addressed the nation, warning participants against further escalation while acknowledging the underlying public frustration.
"We all feel anger and shame," he stated, while emphasizing that a clear distinction must be made between the "legitimate demands" of protesters and the actions of those who "destroyed, smashed and looted."
The unrest began as a demonstration against rising fuel prices, the cost of living, and the deterioration of public services, including schools. Approximately 550,000 people initially took to the streets for what were intended to be peaceful protests.
However, the situation deteriorated as groups of rioters, some masked and dressed in black, began setting fire to vehicles and buildings in Paris, Marseille, and other cities.
By Sunday, smaller-scale clashes between police and protesters continued in parts of the capital and Lyon, where authorities utilized tear gas and stun grenades against crowds who responded by throwing rocks and bottles.
The French interior ministry reported that approximately 2,400 people have been arrested in connection with the unrest. Furthermore, the ministry noted that about 1,000 police officers were injured during Saturday's events, with seven sustaining serious injuries. President Macron asserted that "nothing justifies" the "unbridled" violence observed and promised that those responsible would face justice.
He also announced that local prefects and mayors will work to implement new measures to protect civic buildings and businesses, while promising "full transparency" regarding the police response to the demonstrations. The president noted that tear gas and water cannon were used over the weekend, and riot police were observed using batons in several locations.
The impact of the disorder has been profound, with several cities grappling with significant damage. In Limoges, the historic 19th-century city hall was gutted by fire, resulting in the collapse of its roof and clock tower. Local residents expressed shock and sadness at the destruction of heritage sites.
One resident named Annèyse remarked, "This is very upsetting. Harming heritage buildings just because you are angry at the government is selfish, I think.
It's hurting everybody." Another local, Gerrard, added, "It's awful and unbelievable. We are very sad and I think it will be a long time to put it back as it was before." Meanwhile, shopkeepers in Paris and other cities spent Sunday morning clearing debris and broken glass from the streets as rubbish trucks worked to clear the area.
The political response has highlighted deep divisions within France ahead of the upcoming April election. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated that while demonstrating is a fundamental right, there were "outrages" committed by "several thousand far-left individuals" who were determined to target public buildings and confront the police.
He added that these individuals were later joined by "delinquents who looted and ransacked numerous businesses in several cities in France."
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the hard-left La France Insoumise party, criticized the government's handling of the protests, labeling police chiefs as "specialists in organised chaos" and accusing them of "complete incompetence." Conversely, Marine Le Pen, leader of the hard-right National Rally party, condemned the "exploitation" of public anger by political forces she claimed were encouraging violence.
The protests, which began as student-led demonstrations last month, escalated significantly on Saturday after they were joined by trade union members and other anti-government groups.
Watch: James Waterhouse speaks to looted shop owners on the streets of Paris
Burnt out cars and shattered glass on Paris streets after protests turn to riots and looting
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