Protests in France: Macron addresses the nation amid mass unrest

French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation on Monday amid widespread protests and unrest sparked by high prices and other issues in the country, which have left some 1,800 people arrested and more than 500 police, gendarmes and firefighters injured.

This is reported by Le Monde .

According to journalists, about 1,500 shops and retail outlets were damaged or looted during the riots. The damage caused is estimated at hundreds of millions of euros.

Macron condemned the destruction and attacks on public institutions and shops. He said that those involved in the pogroms must compensate for the damage, and those involved in attempts to overthrow the Republic will be held accountable before the law.

“We all feel anger tonight. We are also ashamed to see the destruction that has occurred on our streets,” the president said.

He linked the violence to the actions of radical far-left groups and criminals. At the same time, Macron stressed that peaceful protesters should not be equated with looters and rioters.

The President acknowledged that some citizens have legitimate reasons for dissatisfaction, in particular due to the rapid rise in fuel prices against the backdrop of the war in Iran.

“I want to make it clear to all looters: we will act tough. There will be no impunity,” Macron said.

To resolve the situation, the president proposed a number of measures. In particular, prefects, together with mayors, should protect public buildings and shops, and if necessary, ban mass gatherings.

Macron also called on political parties, professional associations and unions to condemn the violence and call for calm. The prime minister is due to meet with their representatives in the coming days to agree on a common position.

Separately, the president proposed involving young people in finding solutions. This week, the government is to discuss specific proposals with schoolchildren, students, teachers, trade unions, local government representatives, and parliamentarians.

Macron emphasized that the authorities’ willingness to engage in dialogue does not mean leniency towards pogroms and violence.

By the way, on Saturday, October 17, nationwide protests against the high cost of living took place in Paris and other cities in France , during which clashes occurred between demonstrators and police. As of noon, about 140 actions were recorded outside Paris, involving more than 32,000 people, and law enforcement officers detained more than 160 people across the country.

Recall that large-scale protests by high school students are ongoing in France, which began due to problems in the education system and spread to various cities in the country . Since the beginning of the actions, 1,949 people have been detained, 305 police officers and 65 school employees have been injured, including 40 principals.

Also follow “Pryamim” on Facebook , X , Telegram , and Instagram.