PARIS: The France riots intensified as fresh clashes, looting and confrontations between protesters and police erupted in Paris and other cities, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to pledge tighter security measures and a review of the authorities’ response. The renewed unrest followed a night in which nearly 2,400 people were arrested and almost 1,000 police officers and gendarmes were injured, according to the supplied report.
Addressing the nation on Sunday, Macron condemned what he described as uncontrolled violence, distinguishing between demonstrators with legitimate grievances and those involved in destruction and looting.
“Those who have destroyed must pay,” Macron said, warning that his government would take a firm stance against those responsible for the violence.
However, the French president stopped short of declaring a state of emergency or imposing a curfew, instead promising stronger security arrangements and greater accountability for the handling of the demonstrations.
France Riots Spread as Police Clash With Protesters
According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), police deployed tear gas and stun grenades against hundreds of people gathered in a Paris square following social media calls for an unauthorised demonstration.
Some protesters reportedly threw bottles and rocks at officers, while police made several arrests. Shops were also looted near Place de la République, where specialised anti-riot units were deployed for a second consecutive day.
Further clashes were reported in Lyon, southeastern France, where police intervened to prevent groups of young people from smashing the windows of a luxury clothing store.
The unrest also caused extensive property damage elsewhere. In Limoges, a fire destroyed the 19th-century town hall, while a tourist office in central Lyon was set ablaze during the disturbances.
The violence left several young people seriously injured. Prosecutors reportedly said a 17-year-old boy lost his right hand after a crowd-control grenade exploded in Saint-Étienne, while a 17-year-old girl lost an eye in Mulhouse.
Macron Faces Political Pressure Over Security Response
The escalating unrest has intensified political pressure on Macron’s administration, with opposition figures questioning the government’s ability to maintain public order.
Marine Le Pen, the presidential candidate of the far-right National Rally party, described the administration as exhausted and disoriented. Her political ally, Jordan Bardella, criticised Macron’s televised address, arguing that it offered little reassurance about the government’s response.
Meanwhile, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the left-wing France Unbowed party, urged the president to address protesters’ concerns and ensure the crisis reached a constructive conclusion.
The demonstrations brought together trade unions, members of the Yellow Vests movement and school students. Participants voiced concerns about the rising cost of living and the economic prospects facing younger generations.
The unrest comes in the run-up to a presidential election in which Macron is constitutionally unable to seek another consecutive term.
Macron Orders Review of Police Preparedness
Macron pledged to coordinate with local mayors and senior officials to strengthen protection for public buildings, businesses and urban areas affected by the violence.
He also promised transparency regarding the security forces’ actions, following criticism that authorities had failed to adequately anticipate the scale of the unrest.
The president said he had instructed Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez to examine shortcomings in intelligence gathering and preparations for potential disturbances. Macron called for clear explanations and said the government would draw the necessary lessons from the events.
Opposition politicians have also called for the interior minister’s dismissal over the handling of the crisis.
The economic impact has added to concerns, with businesses facing damage and losses from looting. Macron pledged support for affected traders as authorities worked to restore order.
Trump Blames Immigration for France’s Unrest
The violence has also attracted international attention. US President Donald Trump blamed immigration for the unrest in a social media post, claiming that the arrival of people from different backgrounds had contributed to France’s troubles.
His comments added an international political dimension to a crisis already fuelling debate over public security, immigration and the government’s response to social grievances.
As police continue efforts to contain the disturbances, the French government faces mounting pressure to restore public order, protect businesses and public institutions, and address questions surrounding its preparedness for large-scale unrest.
