1,500 businesses looted as Sébastien Lecornu convenes crisis meeting, leaving France’s government under pressure after weekend’s widespread violence
Damage and police injuries
Riot police used tear gas and water cannon against crowds, and officers were seen striking people with batons in several locations. The interior ministry reported that roughly 1,000 officers were injured on Saturday, including seven who were seriously hurt.
The weekend’s damage included an estimated 1,500 looted and destroyed shops and businesses. Vandals also defaced the Statue de la République in central Paris.
Calls for answers and dialogue
Macron’s national address urged calm, but political opponents and social media users criticised it for offering too little concrete detail. Questions remain about how towns and cities can be better protected, particularly with further demonstrations announced in a couple of weeks.
CGT Secretary General Sophie Binet said on Sunday that Macron had not addressed students’ concerns, the cost-of-living crisis or declining public services. Yaël Braun-Pivet, president of the lower house of parliament, said she wants an inquiry into what happened and why.
Political divisions deepen
Macron and Lecornu blamed the violence on radical far-left groups and delinquents. Jean-Luc Mélenchon accused the government of incompetence, while Marine Le Pen blamed what she called an exhausted and disoriented administration.
The article describes parliament as paralysed and divided among three political blocs. With a presidential vote scheduled in six months, Le Pen and Mélenchon are among the figures seeking attention as Macron approaches the end of his presidency.
More protests announced
Trade unions and parts of the gilets jaunes movement have announced large protests for 5 November. The movement held demonstrations for more than a year in 2018, during Macron’s first term.
The planned protests add to concerns about further unrest and the lack of dialogue with students and teachers’ groups. Residents have expressed frustration that politicians are focused on blaming one another.
Key points
- An estimated 1,500 shops and businesses were looted or destroyed over the weekend.
- The interior ministry said about 1,000 police officers were injured on Saturday.
- Yaël Braun-Pivet wants an inquiry into the events and their causes.
- Unions and parts of the gilets jaunes movement have announced protests for 5 November.