Emmanuel Petit Slams French Rioters, Urges Macron to Protect Citizens

French soccer icon Emmanuel Petit has voiced strong condemnation of the recent riots and looting that have disrupted cities across France, urging President Emmanuel Macron to prioritize the protection of law-abiding citizens.

In a passionate social media post, Petit, a 1998 World Cup winner, described the rioters as "thugs" and stated that those who do not respect France should leave.

"It's thugs because their cowardice is what unites them," Petit stated. "They destroy everything, they burn everything, they break everything, they plunder, they steal, they hurt, they aggress, they insult."

He differentiated between the rioters and those protesting legitimate grievances such as high inflation and government policies. "You shouldn't mix up the people who manifested yesterday, and I understand them strongly because I too am more than fed up of being pressed like a lemon on a fiscal plan," he said, referring to the plight of working-class families.

Petit also addressed immigration, expressing support for foreigners who integrate into French society while issuing a stern warning to agitators.

"I love my country, I love all foreigners who love my country and who want to integrate," Petit said. "But all the others, starting with the French who do not wish precisely that France continues to be what it is, go back from where you came, we don't need you."

He extended his criticism to French nationals participating in the unrest, stating, "And all those who were born with a French passport, break yourselves [get lost], we don't want you anymore."

Turning his attention to the political leadership, Petit directly addressed President Macron and the political class, demanding more effective governance.

"I'm addressing the political class, starting with our dear president, Mr. Macron, and all the political classes," Petit said. "To all these people, I have a message to give you: be very careful about what you are going to do, what you are going to say, and how you are going to protect the honest citizens in France."

Petit concluded by criticizing the government's allocation of resources, noting a perceived disparity between the burden placed on taxpayers and the funding for essential services.

"Because today, there's no money for the police, there's no money for the army, there's no money for the hospitals, there's no money for the schools," he lamented. "Bizarrely, the only thing that works in France, is taxes."

The unrest, which began as protests over school policies and living costs, escalated into widespread street violence, with thousands arrested nationwide. French President Emmanuel Macron had previously acknowledged feeling "both anger and shame" over the events.