French President Emmanuel Macron has addressed the nation amid the largest-scale protests and riots in recent years, which have gripped several major cities across the country. The head of state harshly condemned «uncontrolled violence», blaming it on «rioters from far-left groups joined by numerous criminals». According to him, shops were looted, public buildings, retail outlets, and town halls were attacked; as specific episodes, he cited the arson of the Limoges town hall and the tourist office in Lyon, the break-in at the Marseille town hall, and the attack on the prefect's residence in Bordeaux. «Looking at these images, we all asked ourselves: how can the French do this to France? Nothing justifies this, nothing explains it, and nothing excuses it», the president stated, expressing «anger» and «shame» along with support for law enforcement officers, elected officials, and affected entrepreneurs.
Promise of Punishment and Business Aid
Macron assured that affected entrepreneurs will not be left «alone with their difficulties»: the prime minister will chair a crisis cell as early as Monday to mobilize «rapid assistance» and support victims. The president also urged the government to draw «all conclusions» from Saturday's events, including regarding intelligence and forecasting, so that such things «cannot happen again». «I expect clear answers, and complete transparency will be ensured», he stated, specifying that he instructed the Minister of the Interior to investigate all circumstances and that investigations will be conducted «with all due promptness and as soon as possible». The core thesis of his position was stated bluntly: «Those who destroyed must pay. Those who looted must compensate for the damage. Those who tried to overthrow the Republic will answer for it».
Distinguishing Rioters from Protesters
At the same time, Macron urged a clear distinction between the perpetrators of the riots and the demonstrators who took to the streets to express their demands. He acknowledged that concerns regarding the cost of living and rising fuel prices are legitimate, linking this rise to the consequences of the conflict in the Persian Gulf, in which, he said, France does not participate. The president announced that as early as Monday he will continue international steps to secure fuel and gas for France by traveling to Gulf countries, and promised to take measures regarding purchasing power, stating that he understands the concerns of the youth.
Call for Calm Ahead of Elections
Macron urged the French to return to democratic discourse six months ahead of the presidential election. «All those who today convince you that the main thing now is to take to the streets, protest, and create unrest have only one goal: to harm the Republic and disrupt the debate… Our country deserves a worthy presidential election in six months», he stated, calling for «unity, calm, and respect» and appealing to political parties, trade unions, and employer organizations to «unequivocally condemn any violence».
Urban Protection Measures and Youth Dialogue
On the operational level, the president announced that prefects will make decisions jointly with mayors to protect cities, public buildings, and shops, with measures extending up to the «ban on certain gatherings» and taking «all necessary actions». In addition, he announced that the government will work this week with high school students, university students, teachers, trade unions, employer organizations, and elected officials to develop responses to youth concerns. «We cannot ask our youth to believe in the future without giving them the opportunity to build solutions and sit at the negotiating table», the head of state concluded.
