Macron Condemns Violent Protests as France Reports Mass Arrests

Nearly 2,400 people were arrested during Saturday’s unrest, while almost 1,000 police officers and gendarmes were injured, seven of them seriously, according to figures released by France’s Interior Ministry.

Addressing the nation, Macron said local authorities could ban certain rallies in the coming days if necessary. However, he stopped short of announcing a nationwide state of emergency or curfew.

“Tonight, we all feel anger and shame,” Macron said, referring to scenes of destruction that included burned town halls and hundreds of businesses looted or damaged.

He stressed the need to distinguish between demonstrators with legitimate grievances and those involved in vandalism and looting. Macron vowed a firm response against what he described as extremist groups and individuals responsible for violence in French cities.

Police fired tear gas and stun grenades at hundreds of people gathered in a Paris square on Sunday following calls on social media for a demonstration that authorities said had not been authorised. Protesters threw bottles and rocks at police, while authorities reported 108 arrests across the city.

At least five shops were looted near Place de la République, while other businesses in central Paris suffered smashed windows. City officials advised numerous shops to close amid the unrest. In Lyon, police confronted youths attempting to loot a luxury clothing store, while a tourist office in the city centre was set ablaze.

The unrest has intensified political debate ahead of France’s upcoming presidential election. Macron is constitutionally barred from seeking a third consecutive term, while far-right National Rally leader Marine Le Pen and left-wing France Unbowed leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon criticised the government’s handling of the crisis.

Le Pen said the unrest showed that Macron’s administration was exhausted and disoriented. Mélenchon warned that the country could be moving towards events that might eventually become uncontrollable.

Macron called for a presidential election defined by political debate rather than street violence, saying France deserved a proper democratic contest.

The protests brought together trade unions, members of the Yellow Vests movement and school students, reflecting widespread anger over the cost of living and concerns about opportunities for young people.

US President Donald Trump also weighed in, blaming immigration for the unrest in a social media post. His comments added an international dimension to the debate over the causes of the violence.

Macron said senior officials would coordinate with mayors to protect cities, public buildings and businesses. He also promised support for affected businesses and full transparency regarding the security forces’ response.

The president said he had asked Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez to draw lessons from the unrest, particularly regarding intelligence gathering and anticipating violence. Opposition politicians have called for the minister’s dismissal.

The violence has also resulted in serious injuries among young people. Prosecutors reported that a 17-year-old boy lost his right hand after a crowd-control grenade incident in Saint-Étienne, while a 17-year-old girl in Mulhouse lost an eye.

In Limoges, the city’s 19th-century town hall was destroyed by fire. Local authorities said the blaze had been deliberately started. The incidents have raised concerns over public safety, property damage and the authorities’ ability to contain the unrest.