Macron denounces ‘unbridled’ violence as France hit by new clashes

President Emmanuel Macron harshly condemned the brutal violence that erupted during cost-of-living protests across France, as police clashed with protesters and looters in fresh confrontations in Paris. Nearly 2,400 individuals were apprehended on Saturday during unrest that marked some of the most severe urban disturbances in years, resulting in nearly 1,000 police and gendarmes sustaining injuries, seven of them critically, according to the interior ministry.

In a nationwide address, Macron expressed that local authorities would have the authority to ban rallies if required, but refrained from endorsing stringent actions like a state of emergency or curfew.

Macron's remarks came after witnessing the devastation caused by the protests, which included the burning of town halls and the looting or damage to hundreds of businesses. He emphasized the need to differentiate between protesters with legitimate grievances and those who engaged in destructive activities. Macron vowed that the authorities would take a firm stance against agitators from extremist fringe groups and numerous delinquents who instigated unbridled violence in French cities.

AFP journalists reported that police deployed tear gas and stun grenades on Sunday at hundreds of people gathered in a Paris square following unauthorized social media calls for a gathering. Bottles and rocks were thrown at the police, leading to 42 arrests. Numerous stores across central Paris had their windows shattered, and some were looted. In the southeastern city of Lyon, police engaged in a battle with youths attempting to steal from a high-end clothing store.

Macron's political rivals seized upon the unrest, with critics arguing that his administration was losing control and that the country was heading towards uncontrollable events. Le Pen, the far-right presidential candidate, asserted that the troubles demonstrated Macron's administration was running on fumes and was exhausted and disoriented. Jean-Luc Melenchon, head of the hard-left France Unbowed party, warned that the nation risked events that could become unmanageable.

The unrest brought together unions, the Yellow Vest movement opposed to Macron, and school students protesting the cost of living and prospects for young people. The violent scenes garnered international attention, with US President Donald Trump attributing the unrest to immigration, claiming that "France is burning!" due to the influx of immigrants with violent tendencies.

Macron pledged that top officials would collaborate with mayors to safeguard cities, public buildings, and businesses. He assured support for businesses impacted by the protests and promised full transparency regarding the response of security forces to the demonstrations. Some opposition politicians have called for the dismissal of Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, who was instructed to draw lessons, particularly on intelligence gathering and anticipation, and provide clear answers.