France: Emmanuel Macron condemns violence during protests

"It is unbearable to see the streets of our cities so devastated," said Macron. Those responsible would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. At the same time, the president assured that the actions of the police and security forces, which many viewed as too harsh, should also be closely examined. "There will be full transparency."

There was massive violence across France on Saturday. Shops were looted, buildings and vehicles went up in flames, and demonstrators fought bitter street battles with the police.

If necessary, new demonstrations could also be banned, said Macron. "Given the current situation, the prefects, in coordination with the mayors, will take decisions to protect our cities, our public buildings and our businesses, even going so far as to ban certain gatherings and take all necessary measures if necessary," said the president.

The trigger was a day of protest against high living costs and grievances in the education system. According to government figures, around 550,000 people took part in the actions nationwide; the organizers spoke of around 800,000 demonstrators. Macron called for demonstrators with “legitimate demands” not to be confused with those “who have destroyed, smashed and looted.”

The right-wing extremist presidential candidate Marine Le Pen addressed French citizens with a video message around 6 p.m. In this she spoke of a “crisis of trust” and a “threat to democracy”. Le Pen blamed Macron, among others, for the riots and described him as a president who has "neither credibility nor authority."