Macron urges calm as France counts the cost of worst unrest in years

President Emmanuel Macron called for calm on Sunday, following a day of widespread unrest in France that saw thousands arrested and numerous shops damaged or looted. Clashes erupted in Paris and Marseille, with riot police intervening to stop businesses from being ransacked. Demonstrations had turned violent on Saturday, with a town hall set ablaze, graffiti covering buildings, and widespread looting.

Macron expressed shock and shame at the actions of some protesters, emphasizing that nothing could justify or explain the violence. He stressed that those protesting peacefully had legitimate grievances, urging them not to be confused with those intent on causing destruction. The government blamed the violence on ultra-left groups and criminal elements, while noting one protester had died from a cardiac arrest during the demonstrations.

French authorities made 2,400 arrests and injured nearly 1,000 officers. The unrest affected cities from Lille to Marseille and Strasbourg to Bordeaux, with several hundred shops damaged or looted. Despite the chaos, Macron called for calm and acknowledged that violence was not an acceptable form of expression.