Macron calls for ‘calm and order’ after riots across France

French President Emmanuel Macron called for "calm and order" after a major day of protests turned into rioting and looting on Saturday, as some disorder continued in Paris on Sunday. In a national address from the Élysée Palace, he warned against escalation and said "we all feel anger and shame." Around 550,000 demonstrators took part in peaceful protests against rising fuel prices, living costs, and deteriorating public services.

Macron highlighted the need to separate protesters' legitimate demands from those who engaged in destruction, looting, and violence. Police had arrested approximately 2,400 individuals, according to the French interior ministry. The president emphasized that no justification existed for the "unbridled" violence witnessed and promised justice for those involved.

Rioters in black, wearing masks and balaclavas, were seen in various cities, including Paris, Marseille, and others, setting fire to vehicles and structures. On Sunday, looting and clashes with police persisted in parts of the capital and Lyon, with tear gas and stun grenades employed by authorities, and protesters responding with bottles and rocks.

The impact of this one of the most severe outbreaks of disorder in modern French history was felt in numerous towns and cities. In Limoges, a 19th-century city hall was burned down by rioters on Saturday, its clock tower and roof collapsing in flames. Local officials pledged measures to safeguard shops and public buildings, while transparency regarding police actions would be maintained.

Police injuries were reported, with seven suffering serious injuries. Student protests, beginning last month, merged with trade unionists and other anti-government factions on Saturday, escalating into significant unrest. Political figures, pointing to France's political divisions ahead of April elections, blamed both far-left and far-right groups for the violence.