In brief
French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation from the Élysée Palace, calling for calm as violence erupted in cities across France. His speech followed a day in which around 550,000 demonstrators marched against soaring fuel costs, the high cost of living and falling public services, only to have some groups turn to vandalism and looting. Macron distanced the government from the unruly factions, condemned the use of tear‑gas and water cannons, and promised full transparency from the police. Investigations are underway to arrest the tens of thousands suspected of participating in the chaos, with police admitting injuries to about a thousand officers during the crackdown.
French President Emmanuel Macron has called for "calm and order" and warned that riots across the country must not become a full‑blown crisis.
Speaking from the Élysée Palace, the president said the nation was "in pain, angry and ashamed" after a gruelling sequence of protests that ended with looting and violence on Saturday.
Some 550,000 demonstrators marched in major cities to protest the rise in fuel costs, the high cost of living and a deterioration of public services, including schools. Most were peaceful – but at the same time some side groups broke into the crowds and introduced destruction.
Macron distinguished between the "legitimate demands" of protestors and the "thieves and looters" who smashed shops, vehicles and barricades, stressing that those who took part in the riots would face justice.
Police used tear gas and water cannons and reported that defence police were seen striking at crowds with batons. The Interior Ministry admitted about 1,000 police officers were injured on Saturday, seven of them seriously wounded.
The president also promised "full transparency" over the police response and committed that local prefects and mayors would work together to safeguard shops and infrastructure while restoring law and order.
