French President Emmanuel Macron condemned 'unbridled' violence during cost-of-living protests, with 2,400 arrests recorded across France as riots spread through major cities. The unrest, marked by looting, vandalism, and clashes with police, has raised concerns about public order and government preparedness.
Macron criticized 'factious groups' from the ultra-left and delinquents for 'destroying' cities, calling for a distinction between peaceful protesters and those responsible for 'shocking' scenes of violence. He pledged to empower local officials to ban gatherings if necessary, but avoided announcing drastic measures like a state of emergency.
The protests, which saw over 1,000 police and gendarmes injured, have intensified concerns about the government's ability to manage public unrest. Macron emphasized the need for 'concrete proposals' to address the crisis, while critics called for the resignation of Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, citing the government's apparent lack of preparedness for the scale of violence.