French President Emmanuel Macron has addressed the nation following the most extensive protests and riots in recent years. Driven by fierce condemnation of the "uncontrolled violence," he promised to punish all those responsible while announcing emergency aid for affected businesses and a dialogue with the youth.
The French President condemned the actions of "rioters from ultra-left groups, joined by numerous criminals," accusing them of "uncontrolled violence."
"Shops were looted, public buildings, commercial outlets, and city halls were attacked... Looking at these images, we all asked ourselves: how can French people do this to France? Nothing justifies it, nothing explains it, and nothing excuses it," Macron said, referring to the burning of Limoges City Hall and the tourism office in Lyon, the intrusion into Marseille City Hall, and the attack on the prefect's residence in Bordeaux.
Macron expressed support for law enforcement, elected officials, and entrepreneurs affected by the violence, assuring that the impacted business owners would not be left alone to face their difficulties.
Macron also urged the government to draw "all the conclusions" from Saturday's events, including in matters of intelligence and forecasting, so that such things "never happen again."
"I expect clear answers, and full transparency will be ensured," the President said. He also noted that the investigation would be conducted "with due diligence and as quickly as possible."
Furthermore, he promised that those guilty of the riots would be held accountable: "Those who destroyed must pay. Those who looted must compensate. Those who tried to overthrow the Republic will answer for it," Macron stated.
At the same time, the French President noted that he understands the concerns of young people and promised to take measures to improve purchasing power. He also called on the French people to engage in a democratic discussion six months before the presidential election.
"All those who assure you today that the most important thing now is to take to the streets, protest, and create disorder, have only one goal: to harm the Republic and disrupt the debate... Our country deserves a dignified presidential election in six months," Macron said.
Macron promises to be "uncompromising" towards the rioters and urges them to remain calm.
"Prefects, together with mayors, will make decisions to protect our cities, public buildings, and shops," Macron stated. He specified that these measures could include "banning certain gatherings" and "taking all necessary actions."
He also urged political parties, as well as professional and trade union organizations, to "unequivocally condemn any violence and call for calm."
The massive wave of protests in France initially began in the poor suburbs of Paris as a student movement, which later escalated into nationwide demonstrations against the rising cost of living and social inequality. According to official data, more than 550,000 people participated in the rallies held on October 17.
Peaceful marches were soon turned into large-scale riots by radical groups, resulting in the looting and ransacking of more than 1,500 shops in major cities across the country, including Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and Bordeaux. In the city of Limoges, attackers set fire to the historic 19th-century city hall building, causing its roof to collapse.
Nearly 1,000 law enforcement officers and firefighters were injured during the clashes. Police detained more than 2,000 people nationwide. These events have become one of the greatest challenges for Emmanuel Macron in the final months of his presidential term.
