French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned the violence, looting and vandalism that erupted in several parts of the country during protests linked to the rising cost of living.
Speaking in a televised address to the nation, Macron expressed anger and disappointment over scenes of destruction, questioning how French citizens could turn against their own communities.
“Looking at these images, we have all asked ourselves: what was going through their minds? How can French people do this to France?” he said.
Macron insisted that nothing could justify the destruction witnessed during the unrest, adding that the scenes had left the country with a deep sense of anger and shame.
The unrest comes at a difficult period for the French president, whose final months in office are being overshadowed by growing political, financial and social pressures.
Macron said he had ordered a review of the events leading up to the protests to determine whether there were shortcomings in intelligence gathering or police preparations that may have contributed to the escalation of violence.
He also announced plans to give prefects and mayors greater authority to prohibit certain gatherings when officials consider such measures necessary to protect public safety.
Beyond the security response, Macron said the government would bring together students, teachers, lawmakers, trade union representatives and business leaders during the week to discuss practical ways of addressing the wider crisis.
The president described the planned discussions as an effort to develop “concrete proposals,” although he did not provide further details on the measures being considered.
Macron’s response reflects the growing pressure on his administration to address both the immediate security concerns arising from the protests and the deeper economic and social frustrations driving public anger.
