Macron urges calm after widespread unrest in France leaves 2,400 arrested

Paris, France. President Emmanuel Macron urged calm on Sunday after France experienced some of its most severe unrest in years during Saturday’s protests against high prices and deteriorating public services. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said 2,400 people had been arrested nationwide and nearly 1,000 police officers injured.

Clashes and damage across France

Demonstrations around the country turned violent on Saturday as groups confronted police in multiple cities. Rioters set fire to a town hall, looted shops and marked buildings with graffiti, while other businesses suffered damage.

A demonstrator suffered cardiac arrest and died during Saturday’s protests in Paris.

Further clashes erupted in Paris and Marseille, with riot police stepping in to stop attempts to loot businesses.

The government attributed the violence to groups it described as ultra-left and said criminals had instigated the looting.

Macron condemns violence

Addressing the country on television, Macron expressed outrage at the scenes.

“Looking at these images, we have all asked ourselves: What was going through their minds? How can French people do this to France?”

“Nothing justifies it, nothing explains it, nothing excuses it. Tonight, we all feel anger and shame.”

The president acknowledged that peaceful demonstrators had legitimate concerns, stressing that they should be distinguished from people intent on causing destruction.

Possible restrictions on protests

Macron did not declare a state of emergency, despite calls from some politicians on the right. He said his government would take steps to enable prefects to prohibit demonstrations where necessary to safeguard public buildings and local businesses.

Saturday’s violence exposed the depth of anger towards Macron. He is due to leave office in 2027, completing 10 years in power increasingly marked by public dissatisfaction, economic weakness and rapidly growing debt.