In brief
French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a televised address from the Élysée Palace, urging citizens to maintain calm as nationwide protests erupted into violence. He noted the anger and shame felt by many following a day when 550,000 demonstrators turned to looting and property damage in cities such as Paris, Marseille and Lille. Macron distinguished between legitimate grievances over fuel prices, the cost of living and public services, and the actions of those who destroyed property, condemning the latter as unjustifiable. Authorities have already detained around 2,400 people and injured more than 1,000 police officers, including seven seriously.
French President Emmanuel Macron has called for calm and order, warning that riots across the country must not spread.
Speaking from the Élysée Palace in Paris, he said the country feels both anger and shame after a major day of protests turned into widespread looting and destruction.
Around 550,000 demonstrators gathered to voice concerns about rising fuel prices, the escalating cost of living and deteriorating public services, including schools.
Macron urged a clear distinction between legitimate demands and the unlawful acts of those who smashed, looted and set fires. Police have arrested roughly 2,400 people in connection with the unrest.
The violence also saw groups of rioters, many wearing black masks and balaclavas, attacking cars, shops and buildings in Paris, Marseille and other cities. Widespread looting occurred in Paris, Marseille and Lille, and across many other areas.
Local prefects and mayors will collaborate nationwide to protect businesses and infrastructure.
Macron pledged full transparency over the police response. Tear gas and water cannons were used over the weekend, and riot police were seen striking with batons in several locations.
The interior ministry reported that about 1,000 officers were injured on Saturday, seven of them suffering serious wounds.
