French President Macron delivered a national speech on Sunday (October 18), vowing to hold accountable those rioters who took advantage of protest activities to loot shops and burn buildings. He emphasized the need to distinguish between peaceful protesters expressing legitimate grievances and rioters.
Originally meant to voice dissatisfaction with rising living costs and poor school conditions, the protest quickly escalated into acts of violence. Some groups set fire to buildings, vandalized bus stations, smashed shops, and engaged in looting. Over 2,000 people were arrested.
Macron stated in his speech, “Yesterday, on Saturday, October 17, radical elements from the far-left groups, together with numerous criminals, unleashed violence in cities throughout France. Shops were looted, public buildings, shops, and city halls were attacked, some even destroyed. Several hundred police officers and gendarmes were injured. Seeing these scenes, we cannot help but ask: What are they thinking? How can the French people do such things to their own country?”
He said, “No reason can justify acts of violence; if local government officials deem it necessary, they can ban certain street gatherings.”
“I also want to express our support to the numerous shop owners, businesses, and entrepreneurs who have been affected and are now in distress due to this wave of violence,” he said. “Some have stood up to criminals to protect their shops. I want to tell them that the government will not let them face these difficulties alone. The government will provide support to them.”
He pledged to hold the violent accountable.
“Those who damage property must pay the price, those who participate in looting must compensate for the losses, and those who attempt to overthrow the republic must take responsibility for their actions,” he said.
Macron stressed the importance of distinguishing between peaceful protesters and rioters.
“Yesterday, hundreds of thousands of French citizens took to the streets to demonstrate, hoping to express their legitimate demands. We must not confuse these demonstrators with those who engage in destruction, vandalism, and looting,” he said. “These demonstrators expressed concerns about the cost of living and fuel prices, which stem from conflicts in the Persian Gulf.”
Regarding the current turmoil, Macron stated, “Firstly, in the current situation, prefects across France will coordinate with mayors to make decisions to protect our cities, public buildings, and commercial establishments, including, if necessary, banning certain gatherings and taking all other necessary measures.”
“Secondly, I call on all political parties, industry organizations, and unions to unequivocally condemn all acts of violence and urge everyone to remain calm,” he said.
Before delivering the speech, Macron held an emergency meeting with senior government officials.
On Sunday afternoon, violent incidents continued to occur in Place de la République in the central Paris. In some streets, electric bicycles were stacked together and set on fire; people were throwing bottles and stones, while burning trash cans emitted thick smoke. The police used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the crowd.