France’s interior ministry reported nearly 2,400 arrests and around 1,000 injured police officers amid unrest, while President Emmanuel Macron promised full transparency over the police response.
PARIS, France: French authorities arrested nearly 2,400 people and reported around 1,000 injured police officers and gendarmes following violent protests across the country, as President Emmanuel Macron condemned the unrest and promised full transparency over the police response.
The Interior Ministry said seven officers were seriously injured during Saturday’s clashes, which marked some of the worst urban violence France had experienced in years. Police faced protesters and looters in Paris and other cities, while fires damaged public buildings and businesses.
In a televised address, Macron condemned what he called “unbridled” violence and said the government would strengthen security measures. However, he stopped short of declaring a state of emergency or imposing a curfew.
“Tonight, we all feel anger and shame,” Macron said, distinguishing between protesters with “legitimate demands” and those who had destroyed property and looted businesses.
“Those who have destroyed must pay,” he added, promising a firm response to those responsible for the violence.
Police Clash With Protesters in Paris and Lyon
Clashes continued in Paris on Sunday, where police fired tear gas and stun grenades at hundreds of people gathered in a square following calls on social media for an unauthorized demonstration, according to AFP journalists.
Some protesters threw bottles and rocks at police, who made several arrests. Shops around République Square were also looted, prompting authorities to deploy specialized riot police for a second consecutive day.
Violence also broke out in Lyon, in southeastern France. Police intervened after groups of young people attempted to smash the windows of a luxury clothing store.
The unrest caused extensive damage in several cities. In Limoges, a fire destroyed the city’s 19th-century town hall. Local prefect Maurice Barate told news channel LCI that the fire had been deliberately set.
In central Lyon, a tourist office was set ablaze amid clashes and looting.
The violence also left young people with serious injuries. Prosecutors said a 17-year-old boy lost his right hand after a crowd-control grenade exploded in Saint-Étienne. In Mulhouse, a 17-year-old girl lost an eye, according to prosecutors.
Macron Promises Full Transparency Over Police Response
Macron said senior officials would work with mayors to protect public buildings, businesses, and urban areas. He also pledged support for businesses affected by the destruction.
The president promised “full transparency” over the security forces’ response, following criticism that police preparations had been inadequate.
He asked Interior Minister Laurent Nunez to “draw all necessary lessons,” particularly regarding intelligence gathering and the authorities’ ability to anticipate the unrest. Macron said he expected clear answers from the ministry.
Some opposition politicians have already called for Nunez to be dismissed.
The president also acknowledged the damage caused by the violence, saying that seeing city streets ransacked was unbearable.
Mehmet Ozeden, a 78-year-old Paris resident, described the destruction to AFP as resembling a war, as burned barricades remained on the streets.
Opposition Leaders Criticize Macron’s Address
The unrest unfolded months before a presidential election in which Macron, who cannot stand for another term, faces a changing political landscape.
Marine Le Pen, the far-right presidential candidate from the National Rally party, criticized the government’s handling of the crisis. She said Macron’s administration was “running on fumes, exhausted and disoriented.”
Jordan Bardella, Le Pen’s leading ally, described Macron’s address as “lamentable,” arguing that the authorities had nothing more to say to the country.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the left-wing France Unbowed party and another presidential contender, urged Macron to address the protesters’ demands. He said young people needed the crisis to reach a positive conclusion.
Macron, meanwhile, called for the upcoming election to take place through political debate rather than street violence.
“Our country deserves a fine presidential election,” he said, adding that the campaign should involve debates with political parties rather than confrontations in the streets.
Cost-of-Living Concerns Fuel Protests
Saturday’s demonstrations brought together trade unions, school students, and members of the Yellow Vests movement, which challenged Macron’s government during the early years of his presidency.
The groups expressed anger over the rising cost of living and concerns about opportunities for young people.
The scale of the violence, including images of burning public buildings and looted shops, drew international attention. US President Donald Trump weighed in on the unrest, blaming immigration for the situation in a social media post.
“France is burning!” Trump wrote, claiming immigration from what he described as an entirely different world had damaged the country.
The comments added an international political dimension to the crisis as French authorities faced mounting pressure to restore order and explain how the violence had escalated.
Macron has promised a tougher security response while also pledging to examine the police operation. The government’s next steps are expected to focus on protecting public infrastructure, supporting affected businesses, and reviewing intelligence and security preparations.
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Source: Gulf News
Police officers stand behind a fire near Place de la République following an unauthorised demonstration, central Paris.
AFP
