French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the destruction seen at nationwide cost of living protests and promised meetings, possible rally bans and a review of how police prepared.
Macron says nothing justifies violence after nationwide cost of living protests turned destructive in France over the weekend. In a televised address on Sunday, October 18, the president separated peaceful marchers from looters and arsonists, according to France 24. The address came a day after demonstrations drew hundreds of thousands of people into the streets.
Macron Says Nothing Justifies Violence in Televised Address
RTE reported that the Macron address to the nation lasted just under eight and a half minutes. France 24 reported that Emmanuel Macron told viewers, “Tonight, we all feel anger and shame.”
RTE reported he drew a line between protesters with “legitimate demands” and those who smashed and looted. He described the violence as unprecedented. The Local reported that he blamed far left factions and called the sight of ransacked streets unbearable.
What Macron Announced for Cities and Police
RTE reported that Macron asked Interior Minister Laurent Nunez to draw lessons from the weekend, especially on intelligence gathering and anticipation. He said he expects clear answers. TRT World reported that Macron promised “full transparency” over the response of security forces after criticism that police preparations were inadequate.
According to the Manila Times, he said senior officials would work with mayors to protect cities, public buildings and businesses. The Local reported that Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will host a series of meetings in the coming days and weeks to address the concerns of peaceful protesters.
Will Rallies Be Banned After the France Protests?
France 24 reported that Macron said local authorities could ban certain rallies in the coming days if necessary. None of the reports reviewed described a nationwide ban. France 24 also reported that he said the country deserves a presidential election marked by debate with the parties rather than violence in the streets.
Limoges Town Hall and Other Damage Across France
i24NEWS reported that masked individuals burned a municipal police vehicle in Limoges and then entered the city hall, a building inaugurated in 1883, and set it on fire. ABC News, citing AFP, reported that local prefect Maurice Barate said the blaze was set by “a wild horde” and was brought under control early Sunday.
France 24 reported that a tourist office in central Lyon was also set ablaze. ABC News reported that shops were looted in Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux, Nice and Strasbourg. It added that the Retail and Trade Federation estimated about 1,500 businesses were damaged, with losses in the hundreds of millions of euros.
How Many Were Arrested and Injured in the France Riots?
i24NEWS reported that Interior Minister Laurent Nunez put turnout at about 550,000 people, while the CGT union said 800,000 took part. Reported arrest totals differ. i24NEWS cited Lecornu saying about 1,200 people were arrested on Saturday, while ABC News and TRT World reported nearly 2,400.
ABC News reported that the interior ministry said almost 1,000 police officers and gendarmes were injured, seven of them badly. It also reported that one person died during the main Paris march, but officials said the death was health related and not linked to the violence.
How the Cost of Living Protests Began
TRT World reported that the movement began last month over teacher shortages and poor school conditions. It then widened into protests over inequality, spending cuts and rising living costs. ABC News reported that the Yellow Vest movement called Saturday’s “yellow and youth” demonstrations. It said the main grievance was the cost of living, pushed up partly by the war in the Middle East. RTE noted that elections to replace Macron are about six months away. For more deeper understanding read, “France Protests Spread as Yellow Vests Join Students and Unions Over Prices“
Political Reaction and Police Conduct
ABC News reported that the government and far right leader Marine Le Pen blamed ultra left groups. It said Jean Luc Mélenchon, a far left leader, accused authorities of inflaming tensions. i24NEWS reported that the police watchdog is investigating at least two dozen allegations of police violence. ABC News reported that a 17 year old lost his right hand to a crowd control grenade in Saint Etienne.
FAQs
What did Macron say in his address to the nation?
Macron said nothing justifies violence seen in the cost of living protests. He separated peaceful protesters from looters and promised transparency on the police response.
Why are the France protests happening?
The protests began over school conditions and teacher shortages. They grew into a wider movement over living costs, inequality and spending cuts.
What happened to the Limoges town hall?
i24NEWS reported that masked individuals set the Limoges town hall on fire during the protests. A prefect said the blaze was deliberate.
How many people were arrested in the French riots?
Outlets report different totals, from about 1,200 to nearly 2,400, depending on the time of reporting.
Can rallies be banned in France after the protests?
France 24 reported that Macron said local authorities could ban certain rallies if necessary in the coming days.
Who is leading the government response?
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will host meetings, and Interior Minister Laurent Nunez has been asked to review intelligence and police preparation.