Special message from Emmanuel Macron. “We all feel anger and shame.”

In a televised speech, Emmanuel Macron emphasized that France now needs calm, not further escalation of tension.

We all feel anger and shame this evening. The sight of such plundered streets in our cities is unbearable, said the president.

He assured that those responsible for violence, devastation and looting will be held accountable. As he noted, on the one hand, it is necessary to "hear the anger" of the protesters and respond to its causes, and on the other hand, "respect for the republican order" should be enforced.

Macron announces explanations regarding the services' actions

The president promised "transparency" about the strategy adopted by law enforcement forces during Saturday's events. He said he had asked the government, and especially the interior ministry, to analyze intelligence assessments and forecasts regarding the demonstrations.

I expect clear answers, Macron emphasized.

The head of state argued that it is necessary to distinguish between participants of peaceful protests, whose demands he considered justified, and those responsible for destroying property and looting shops. He also declared understanding for the concerns of young people expressed during the recent protests of high school students.

Possible bans on gatherings

Macron announced measures to address the rising cost of living, which was the main reason for Saturday's demonstrations. At the same time, he emphasized that the authorities would remain "steadfast" towards the rioters.

Prefects, together with mayors, are to make decisions to protect cities. Possible measures include a ban on organizing some assemblies.

Those who destroyed must pay and those who looted must cover the losses, said the French president.

According to Macron, the "unrestrained" violence was caused by "rebels coming from far-right groups", which the criminals were said to have joined.

Demonstrations of thousands against high prices were overshadowed by acts of violence, attacks on public buildings and looting of shops and commercial outlets.

Industry organizations estimate that approximately 1.5 thousand people were injured. companies, and losses may reach hundreds of millions of euros. The French interior ministry reported that nearly 2,400 people had been detained as of Sunday evening. people.

On Sunday afternoon, there were further attempts to loot shops in Paris. Aggressive groups appeared in the city center and the police detained 42 people.

Political dispute before the elections

Just before Macron's speech, the leader of right-wing republicans, Bruno Retailleau, called on the president to introduce a state of emergency. Politicians from the left and the extreme right called for the resignation of Interior Minister Laurent Nunez.

Macron pointed out that the events took place half a year before the presidential elections, the first round of which is to be held in April 2027. He argued that political debate should take place during public meetings, peaceful demonstrations and in the media, and not on the streets in an atmosphere of chaos.