Europeupdated 45m ago2 min read
Emmanuel Macron Vows Punishment for Rioters and Looters After France Protests Turn Violent
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Macron vowed punishment for rioters and looters across French cities. He distinguished peaceful protesters from violent actors demanding accountability.
Macron draws a line
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the vandalism and looting that accompanied protests across France and told the nation, “The vision of wrecking the streets of our cities is unacceptable,” while confirming his “support” for shop owners and storefronts that were looted. Macron said his televised address required “a distinction between protesters demanding legitimate rights and those who commit violence,” and he pledged that rioters and looters would “pay for their crimes”.
France’s Interior Ministry reported the arrest of about 2,400 people during protests over the cost of living, and it also said about a thousand police and gendarmerie officers were injured, including seven with serious injuries. Macron also promised to launch a “crisis unit” to provide “urgent aid … for those who are going through difficult moments,” and he said “lessons will be learned” after the destructive violence erupted this weekend.
Blame, arrests, and injuries
French President Emmanuel Macron said violent protesters were trying “to bring down the republic,” and he warned that “We need to be clear: yesterday, our law enforcement officers and officials, despite their professionalism, were subjected to unprecedented violence in several cities,” he said.
France’s Interior Ministry said nearly 2,400 people were arrested on Saturday, and it reported about 1,000 police and gendarmes injured, while Macron pledged “We need unity, we need calm and respect.”
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez wrote on X that “The right to protest is a fundamental right. Deliberately and collectively sowing disorder through violence is not,” after authorities estimated Saturday’s marches had a turnout of about 550,000.
Paris police reported 855 people were arrested in the capital region, and prosecutors said 557 remained in police custody as demonstrators inspected damage around the Place de la République.
Punishment and next steps
Macron said he would launch legal action and told the French people, “Those who looted will have to pay for the damage, and those who sought to bring down the Republic will be held accountable,” as he accused far-left activists of fomenting chaos. Macron also instructed prefects to work with mayors to protect public buildings and businesses, including by banning protests when necessary, and he said he had instructed prefects to work with mayors in the coming weeks.
In Limoges, flames engulfed the 19th-century City Hall, its roof collapsed, and AP reported that the building was nearly destroyed after rioters set it on fire. Macron’s warnings came as political leaders traded accusations ahead of the presidential election, with far-right leader Marine Le Pen criticizing Macron as “exhausted, disoriented and seemingly incapable of doing anything other than commenting on its own powerlessness,” and far-left contender Jean-Luc Mélenchon accusing Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu of “playing with fire.”