Macron vows punishment for violence after cost-of-living protests in France

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned widespread riots and promised punishment for those responsible after cost-of-living protests, Interfax reported. In a Sunday address to the nation, he said people who destroyed property should pay, looters should make restitution and those seeking the republic’s downfall should answer for their actions. He also urged political parties to condemn violence unequivocally. Macron said the demands of peaceful demonstrators should be heard while public order was firmly maintained. [ 8 ]

Interfax reported that Saturday’s protests in Paris and other major French cities frequently turned into riots, with shops looted and cars and buildings set on fire. It said historic city centres sustained substantial damage, including the town hall in Limoges, where firefighters battled a blaze throughout the night. The outlet cited Interior Ministry figures of about 1,000 injured law-enforcement personnel and nearly 2,400 detentions. Macron blamed a group from the far left joined by criminals and condemned violence against law-enforcement personnel, according to the report. [ 8 ]

Vedomosti reported that Macron said prefects would work with mayors to protect cities, buildings and shops, including prohibiting gatherings when necessary. It also said he called for dialogue with young people and expressed hope that fuel prices would fall soon. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova criticized his position in a Telegram post, accusing France of double standards in its responses to domestic unrest and protests abroad. She argued that France demanded tough action when its own cities were damaged while criticizing suppression of demonstrations elsewhere. TASS also reported her accusation of double standards after Macron’s remarks. [ 6 , 7 ]