French President Emmanuel Macron expressed on Sunday evening (October 10, 2026) the French people's "anger" and "feeling of shame" over the nationwide protests against the high costs of living and poor conditions in schools, which led to the arrest of more than two thousand people. “Those who plundered will have to pay for the damage, and those who sought to overthrow the republic will be held accountable,” Macron said in an address to the nation.
He referred to "unbridled violence" by "rebel elements of extreme left-wing groups, joined by many criminals."
President Emmanuel Macron stressed on Sunday evening, the day after the scenes of chaos and looting that took place in major French cities, that “those who destroyed must pay the price, and those who looted must compensate for the losses,” pledging that the executive authority would be “very strict” in dealing with the vandals.
Macron said in a speech he delivered, commenting on the looting and violence that took place on Saturday during the day of protests against the “high cost of living,” that “local officials will make decisions, in coordination with mayors, to protect our cities, public buildings, and stores.” He also called for “judicial follow-up” in this regard to be “exemplary,” stressing in a firm tone that the authorities will be “very strict.”
Commitment to transparency
The French President promised to commit to "transparency" regarding the security strategy that was implemented on Saturday, at a time when the executive authority is facing sharp criticism following the acts of vandalism that affected many stores and public buildings in major French cities. Macron asked the government, especially Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, to "draw lessons" from Saturday's events, "with regard to intelligence and preemption." He added, "I am waiting for clear answers, and full transparency will be provided."
Meanwhile, a tally issued by the French Ministry of the Interior reported that about 2,400 people were arrested on Saturday in France, during a day of protests against the high cost of living, which included acts of violence, in addition to the injury of about a thousand police and gendarmerie members. In a more accurate count, 2,397 people were arrested during this day of riots and chaos, with widespread violence and looting. In total, 997 police and gendarmes were injured, seven of them seriously.
In the last six months of his presidential term, Macron faces mounting political, financial and social pressures. Macron said that governors and mayors will be given the power to ban some gatherings when necessary.
He explained that he asked the government to hold a meeting with representatives of students, teachers, unions, members of Parliament, and business leaders this week to develop what he called “concrete proposals” to address the crisis, without providing further details.
Clashes with the police
Demonstrations across the country turned into riots yesterday, Saturday, as a municipal building was set on fire, stores were looted, the walls of buildings were filled with drawings and graffiti, and violent groups clashed with the police in cities across the country.
One of the demonstrators died after suffering a heart attack during demonstrations in Paris, during which the police recorded an unprecedented number of arrests, amounting to 855 cases. Across France, the Interior Minister said that police arrested about 1,800 people in total and more than 500 police officers were injured.
More than half a million people participated in marches in dozens of cities, in a convergence between a student movement that has been ongoing for about a month and broader social dissatisfaction with the rising costs of living and the decline in public services.
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered again today, Sunday, in Place de la République in Paris, amid a heavy police presence. Police officers used tear gas as tensions flared intermittently in the neighborhood, as small groups of people attempted to set fire to bicycles and trash cans.
Trump gets in line
In turn, US President Donald Trump said earlier today, Sunday, that immigration was the cause of the unrest taking place in France, and urged Paris to “close the borders,” in the wake of widespread protests that included acts of violence.
Trump said in a post on his social platform, Truth Social: “France is burning! The immigration of people from a completely different world, people with hatred in their hearts, has destroyed this once great country.” He added, “Close your borders and take control, before it is too late!”
