Macron Urges Calm as Protests Turn Violent Across France

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for calm and order after mass protests over rising fuel prices, the cost of living and deteriorating public services escalated into widespread rioting, looting and clashes with police.

Addressing the nation from the Élysée Palace, Macron acknowledged public anger but drew a clear distinction between protesters’ legitimate grievances and acts of violence.

“We all feel anger and shame,” he said, warning those involved in the unrest against further escalation.

According to France’s Interior Ministry, police have arrested around 2,400 people following the demonstrations, which drew an estimated 550,000 participants nationwide. While most protests were largely peaceful, groups of rioters targeted shops, vehicles and public buildings in Paris, Marseille, Lille and other cities.

Disorder continued on a smaller scale in parts of Paris and Lyon on Sunday. Tear gas and stun grenades were reportedly used against crowds in the capital, while demonstrators threw bottles and rocks at police.

Macron condemned the violence, saying nothing could justify the destruction and looting. He warned that those responsible would face justice and said local authorities would develop measures to protect businesses and public buildings.

The unrest has also caused significant damage to public infrastructure and cultural heritage. In Limoges, a fire started during Saturday’s violence gutted the city hall, a 19th-century building, leaving its clock tower and roof collapsed.

Residents expressed dismay at the destruction, particularly the damage to historic buildings. Meanwhile, shopkeepers in Paris began clearing shattered glass and debris as municipal workers worked to restore order.

The president also pledged full transparency regarding the police response to the demonstrations, following reports of the use of tear gas, water cannon and batons against protesters.

France’s Interior Ministry said around 1,000 police officers were injured on Saturday, seven of them seriously.

The unrest has emerged as a major challenge for the French government, highlighting mounting public frustration over living costs and the state of public services, alongside concerns over public safety and the handling of demonstrations.