Macron vows crackdown as France protests leave 2,400 arrested, nearly 1,000 police injured
PARIS: President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday slammed the “unbridled” violence that erupted in cost-of-living protests across France, as police battled protesters and looters in new clashes in Paris.
President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence that erupted during cost-of-living protests across France, as police clashed with demonstrators and looters in new confrontations in Paris. Nearly 2,400 people were arrested on Saturday during the unrest, which caused significant damage and injuries to almost 1,000 police and gendarmes, seven of whom were seriously injured.
In a national address, Macron assured local authorities would be able to ban rallies if necessary, but stopped short of imposing drastic measures like a state of emergency or curfew. He emphasized the need to distinguish between protesters with legitimate demands and those who engaged in destruction, vandalism, and looting. The unrest, involving various groups, resulted in multiple store loots and city hall closures.
Macron criticized critics, including presidential candidates Marine Le Pen and Jean-Luc Melenchon, who accused his administration of running on empty. US President Donald Trump also weighed in, blaming immigration for the unrest. Macron pledged to coordinate with mayors for city protection and support affected businesses, while vowing full transparency in the response by security forces.
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