French President Emmanuel Macron has strongly condemned the latest wave of violence sweeping across France after fresh clashes and looting broke out in Paris and other major cities. The unrest followed a day of intense protests that left nearly 2,400 people detained and almost 1,000 police officers and gendarmes injured.
In a national address on Sunday, Macron described the scenes as “unbridled” violence and promised a tougher security approach. He made a clear distinction between citizens with legitimate concerns over the cost of living and those who deliberately destroyed property and looted shops. “Those who have destroyed must pay,” he declared, vowing the government would remain uncompromising toward agitators from ultra-left groups and common delinquents.
Police fired tear gas and stun grenades at crowds in a Paris square on Sunday after unauthorized gatherings were called on social media. Protesters threw bottles and rocks while shops around Place de la République were targeted for a second day. Similar trouble erupted in Lyon, where officers stopped young people from smashing windows of a luxury clothing store.
The timing is sensitive. France is just months away from a presidential election in which Macron cannot seek another term. Far-right candidate Marine Le Pen accused the government of being exhausted and disoriented. Her ally Jordan Bardella called Macron’s speech “lamentable.” On the left, Jean-Luc Mélenchon urged the president to listen to young people’s demands so the protests could end positively.
US President Donald Trump also weighed in, blaming immigration for the chaos and claiming France was being shattered by people “with hatred in their hearts.”
Macron promised full support for businesses hit by the damage and ordered senior officials to work closely with mayors to protect cities, public buildings and shops. He asked Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez to draw “all necessary lessons,” especially on intelligence and preparation, after criticism that police had been caught off guard. Some opposition voices are already demanding Nuñez’s resignation.
The weekend protests brought together trade unions, the Yellow Vests movement and school students angry about living costs and future prospects. In several cities, town halls and tourist offices were set on fire. A 17-year-old boy lost a hand and a girl lost an eye in separate grenade-related incidents.
Macron insisted France deserves a proper presidential election based on debate, not street violence, and vowed the country would emerge stronger from this difficult moment.
