The French President called on the public to remain calm after riots erupted on Saturday, followed by minor clashes on Sunday, affirming that all perpetrators will be punished under the law.
On 18 Oct 2026 GMT+7, French President Emmanuel Macron issued a statement urging citizens to maintain “calm and order” after nationwide protests on Saturday escalated into riots and looting, with unrest continuing in some areas on Sunday.
Macron addressed the nation from the Élysée Palace, warning troublemakers against “escalating violence,” saying, “We all feel anger and shame,” while emphasizing the need to distinguish between the “legitimate demands” of peaceful protesters and the “groups who destroy, smash property, and loot.”
The French leader stressed that no justification exists for the violence and that all those responsible will be held accountable under the law.
He also ordered regional officials and local mayors to draft measures to protect shops and public buildings, and pledged a fully transparent review of police conduct and response during these protests.
The French Ministry of the Interior reported that arrests related to the riots have risen to about 2,400, while roughly 1,000 police officers have been injured, including seven seriously wounded.
On Sunday, smaller-scale looting and clashes with police continued in Paris and Lyon, with tear gas and smoke bombs used to disperse crowds after stones were thrown at officers.
The protests against rising living costs, fuel prices, and education issues on Saturday spiraled into riots and looting in multiple cities, especially Paris, which was littered with burned cars and debris.
Originally, some 550,000 people marched peacefully to protest soaring fuel costs, high living expenses, deteriorating public services, and school-related problems.
However, groups of rioters dressed in black and wearing masks exploited the situation to cause chaos, clashing with police, throwing Molotov cocktails, setting cars and buildings on fire, and looting shops, restaurants, and malls in cities such as Paris, Marseille, Lille, and Lyon.
Rioters set fire to the tourism office building in Lyon, which the mayor described as a valuable historic structure, causing severe damage. Meanwhile, Limoges’ town hall, over 140 years old, suffered roof collapse and partial structural damage due to fire.
Additionally, brand-name stores like Louis Vuitton, Apple Store, Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Versace, and many retail outlets had their storefronts smashed and goods looted. Over 1,500 shops, restaurants, and convenience stores nationwide were heavily damaged by fire and looting.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the far-left party La France Insoumise, harshly criticized the police and interior minister, accusing them of “complete ineffectiveness” and being “experts in systematic disorder creation.”
Meanwhile, Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally, condemned politicians who exploit public anger to encourage and support violence.
Follow international news:https://www.thairath.co.th/news/foreign
Source:bbc