PARIS, France- French President Emmanuel Macron has called for calm and national unity after protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions turned violent in cities across France.
Police arrested about 2,400 people during Saturday’s unrest, while nearly 1,000 police officers were injured, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said.
In a televised address on Sunday, October 18, Macron said the country felt “anger and shame” at scenes of looting, fires and clashes.
He said peaceful demonstrators had legitimate concerns, but that those who destroyed property and attacked people should be held accountable.
“Nothing justifies it, nothing explains it, nothing excuses it,” Macron said, while urging people to distinguish between protesters and those involved in violence.
He also called for unity, calm and respect.
Saturday’s demonstrations brought together students, trade unions, activists and supporters of France’s Yellow Vest movement.
The Interior Ministry estimated that about 550,000 people took part nationwide, while organisers put the turnout at 800,000.
Most marches were peaceful, but smaller groups clashed with police, set fires and looted shops.
In Limoges, flames engulfed the historic town hall and caused its clock tower to collapse.
Authorities also reported attacks on public buildings and businesses in cities including Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Avignon and Grenoble.
Police used tear gas in several areas.
In Paris, officers again confronted protesters at Place de la République on Sunday, where some people tried to set bicycles and rubbish bins alight.
The latest protests grew from a student movement that began in September in high schools around Paris, including in the capital’s northern suburbs.
Students have complained of teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, ageing school buildings and demanding timetables.
The movement spread to other cities and drew support from teachers, unions and other groups calling for better public services and action on household costs.
The Yellow Vest movement, which began in 2018, has also joined the demonstrations.
It initially mobilised against planned fuel tax increases and grew into a wider protest over living costs, inequality and access to public services.
The latest marches have included anger over rising fuel prices and concerns about the government’s proposed 2027 budget, which includes spending cuts and tax measures aimed at reducing France’s deficit.
Macron stopped short of declaring a state of emergency.
He said he had asked the government to draw lessons from the unrest and that local officials could ban protests when necessary to protect public buildings and businesses.
He also promised transparency about the police response.
The clashes have intensified a debate over how the government should respond to the demonstrations.
Macron condemned the violence, while opposition figures called on his government to respond to students’ demands.
The protests come ahead of France’s 2027 presidential election, adding political pressure as the country continues to grapple with living costs, public spending and strained services.
