Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

French President Emmanuel Macron denounced those who sought to undermine the Republic in a televised address after nationwide protests devolved into rioting and looting. At least 2,400 individuals were arrested during the unrest, which was sparked by concerns over rising living costs and deteriorating school conditions. The President held senior government officials in an emergency meeting the day after masked groups attacked city halls in several cities, causing significant damage to public buildings and businesses.

French authorities estimate that around 550,000 people attended the marches in Paris, while organizers claimed the figure was closer to 800,000. The unrest was primarily attributed to far-left activists who attacked police and public structures to incite chaos. Macron emphasized that those who looted would face consequences for their actions, as would those who sought to bring down the Republic.

He instructed prefects to collaborate with mayors to safeguard public buildings and enterprises, including temporarily prohibiting protests when necessary. Amid the chaos, the 19th-century City Hall in Limoges collapsed, and the Place de la République in Paris witnessed sporadic incidents of violence, with police deploying tear gas.

The Interior Minister, Laurent Nunez, condemned the looting of hundreds of businesses, while the Paris prosecutor's office was investigating the death of a person who died of a heart attack. Parisians expressed shock and distress over the level of destruction and violence, with some questioning the motivations behind the mayhem.

Political leaders from various parties accused each other of inadequacy and inaction, ahead of the upcoming presidential election.