Macron calls for calm in France and warns rioting must not escalate

French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation following a series of protests that escalated into riots and looting on Saturday. In a speech from the Élysée Palace, Macron urged the public to maintain calm and order, warning against further escalation. He acknowledged the anger and shame felt by all, emphasizing the distinction between the legitimate demands of protesters and those who engaged in destruction and looting.

The protests against rising fuel prices, the cost of living, and deteriorating public services had drawn around 550,000 demonstrators to the streets. Macron stressed that the legitimate grievances of the protesters should not be conflated with the violence perpetrated by some participants. Police had arrested approximately 2,400 individuals in connection with the unrest.

Speaking of the unrest, Macron condemned the "unbridled violence" seen and vowed that those involved would face justice. Rioters in various cities, including Paris, Marseille, and Lyon, were seen setting fires to cars and buildings, with some wearing masks and balaclavas. On Sunday, further disorder continued in parts of the capital and Lyon, with tear gas and stun grenades used against crowds. Police reported around 1,000 officers injured during the weekend's events.

Macron expressed deep concern over the damage to heritage buildings, such as the 19th-century city hall in Limoges, which was gutted by a fire sparked by rioters. He remarked that such actions were selfish and harmful to society as a whole. Shopkeepers in Paris were seen cleaning up glass shards early on Sunday, while rubbish trucks cleared debris from streets.

In response to the disorder, Macron pledged that local officials would draft measures to protect shops and civic buildings. He emphasized the importance of full transparency regarding the police's handling of the demonstrations, noting that tear gas and water cannons had been deployed against protesters over the weekend.