Anger and shame: Macron denounces France’s nationwide rioting and looting as unrest grows
Macron condemns the violence
Macron said he felt “anger and shame” about what he described as violent protesters trying “to bring down the republic”. He called for unity, calm and respect. The president said the government would learn lessons from the destructive violence and work to prevent a recurrence. He also pledged to establish a crisis unit to deliver urgent aid to people facing difficult moments.
Arrests and injuries reported
France’s Interior Ministry reported that nearly 2,400 people were arrested on Saturday. About 1,000 police officers and gendarmes were injured. Macron promised to increase security, but did not announce a state of emergency or a curfew. Al Jazeera correspondent Natacha Butler, reporting from Paris, said the speech brought “perhaps no surprises”.
Unrest enters political debate
The protests are becoming a political issue for parties seeking public support before next year’s presidential elections. Far-right presidential hopeful Jordan Bardella criticised Macron’s Sunday speech. Bardella called it “lamentable” and “cowardly”, arguing that the government had nothing left to offer and could not protect the French people.
Key points
- The Interior Ministry reported nearly 2,400 arrests on Saturday.
- About 1,000 police and gendarmes were injured.
- Macron promised more security and a crisis unit, without declaring an emergency or curfew.
- Jordan Bardella criticised Macron’s speech as the unrest becomes an election issue.