October 17, future of mobilization, role of social networks... What to remember from Emmanuel Macron's intervention in Marseille

Accompanied by Minister of the Interior Laurent Nuñez, Emmanuel Macron spoke with the mayor of Marseille Benoît Payan on Monday October 26. He then spoke to the press, discussing the violence that occurred on the sidelines of the October 17 demonstrations as well as the future of social mobilization against the high cost of living.

A new “at risk” Saturday

The head of state had been personally criticized by the opposition, but also by several figures in his camp, for the management of maintaining order nine days ago and for maintaining his tour in the Gulf at the start of last week.

While calls for demonstrations to continue over the coming weekends, Emmanuel Macron estimated that next Saturday would be “at risk” again, affirming that their routes would remain outside city centers in order to protect “order”.

October 17 “not anticipated at all”

Concerning the numerous lootings and damage which occurred on the weekend of October 17 and 18, the president recognized that the authorities had “not at all anticipated” this day of mobilization and that “the police forces were not duly proportionate”.

However, the president also pointed out the role of social networks which “damage our democracies”. He described them as “instruments for mobilizing the worst” because they create “a form of derealization of violence.”

“They were used, in particular on the 17th, to bring young or old people to places of delinquency, attack, looting,” assured the head of state, describing “today a great confusion, a form of permanent excitement which is taking place, a fascination with violence”.

Between firmness and listening

The President of the Republic was keen to mention the slight lull during the demonstrations on October 24. “The Republic” and “public order” are maintained “without a state of emergency”, he affirmed, while believing that it was not “a prohibition or a taboo” if “things were to deteriorate”. A new day of mobilization for purchasing power and the defense of public services on Saturday was calmer than expected, despite some clashes and looting in several cities. In total, 1,435 people were arrested, according to Laurent Nuñez.