Macron Addresses French Riots, Calls for Calm

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for "calm and order" and warned that recent riots must not escalate, speaking from the Élysée Palace in Paris. The president acknowledged a collective sense of "anger and shame" following a day of protests that devolved into rioting and looting across France.

Saturday saw approximately 550,000 demonstrators take to the streets for largely peaceful protests against rising fuel prices, the cost of living, and the deterioration of public services, including schools. Macron emphasized the need to distinguish between the "legitimate demands" of protesters and those responsible for destruction and looting.

Police have arrested about 2,400 individuals in connection with the unrest. Macron stated that "nothing justifies" the "unbridled" violence observed and assured that those involved would face justice. Groups of rioters, some masked and clad in black, engaged in setting fire to cars and buildings in Paris, Marseille, and other cities. Widespread looting was reported in Paris, Marseille, Lille, and other areas.

Macron announced that local prefects and mayors would collaborate nationwide to protect shops and buildings. He also pledged "full transparency" regarding the police response to the demonstrations, which included the use of tear gas and water cannons. Riot police were observed using batons against crowds in several locations over the weekend.

France's interior ministry reported that approximately 1,000 police officers were injured on Saturday, with seven sustaining serious injuries. The violence has led to significant damage to property, with images emerging of businesses like a McDonald's covered in graffiti and damaged.