French President condemns “unbridled” violence after nearly 2,400 arrests, hundreds of police injuries and widespread looting French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to strengthen security and hold those responsible for violence accountable after cost-of-living protests swept across the country, leaving nearly 2,400 people arrested and almost 1,000 police officers and gendarmes injured, according to the interior ministry. Speaking in a televised address to the nation on Sunday, Macron condemned what he described as “unbridled” violence, while acknowledging that protesters had legitimate grievances over the rising cost of living and the prospects facing young people. The interior ministry said almost 1,000 members of the police and gendarmerie had been injured, seven of them seriously, during Saturday's clashes.
The violence was described as among the worst episodes of urban unrest France had experienced in years. Tensions remained high on Sunday, with police deploying tear gas and stun grenades against hundreds of people gathered in a Paris square following calls on social media for an unauthorised demonstration, journalists reported. Some demonstrators threw bottles and rocks at officers, while police made several arrests.
Shops were also looted around Place de la République, prompting the deployment of specialist riot police for a second consecutive day. Violence also broke out in the south-eastern city of Lyon, where police intervened to prevent young people from smashing the windows of a luxury clothing store. The unrest caused extensive damage elsewhere.
In Limoges, a fire destroyed the city's 19th-century town hall. Local prefect Maurice Barate told French broadcaster LCI that the blaze had been deliberately started. In Lyon, a tourist office in the city centre was also set ablaze amid clashes and looting.
The violence had serious consequences for young people caught up in the unrest. A 17-year-old boy lost his right hand after a crowd-control grenade exploded in Saint-Étienne, while a 17-year-old girl lost an eye in Mulhouse, according to prosecutors. Macron faces pressure over police response Macron pledged to increase security and work with local mayors to protect public buildings, businesses and urban centres.
He also promised support for businesses affected by the destruction. However, the president stopped short of announcing exceptional measures such as a state of emergency or a curfew. He promised full transparency over the security forces' response, following criticism that preparations for the demonstrations had been inadequate.
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