French President Emmanuel Macron urged calm on Sunday following widespread riots across France that left thousands arrested, hundreds of businesses damaged and major cities struggling to recover from one of the country's worst episodes of civil unrest in years.
The violence erupted Saturday as more than 500,000 people joined nationwide demonstrations against rising living costs, deteriorating public services and growing economic hardship. Although most protesters remained peaceful, violent groups looted stores, vandalized buildings and clashed with police.
In a televised address, Macron condemned the destruction while acknowledging the legitimate concerns of peaceful demonstrators.
"Nothing justifies it, nothing explains it, nothing excuses it. Tonight, we all feel anger and shame," Macron said.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez reported approximately 2,400 arrests and nearly 1,000 injured police officers. One protester died after suffering cardiac arrest during demonstrations in Paris.
Fresh clashes continued Sunday in Paris and Marseille, with riot police deploying tear gas near Place de la Republique to disperse crowds and prevent further looting.
Macron stopped short of declaring a state of emergency but announced measures allowing regional authorities to restrict demonstrations when necessary to protect businesses and public infrastructure.
The unrest highlights mounting political pressure on Macron ahead of France's 2027 presidential election, amid persistent inflation concerns, economic weakness and rising government debt.
Far-right National Rally leader Marine Le Pen condemned the riots, warning against normalizing violence, while hard-left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon urged Macron to address students' demands.
Damage extended across major French cities, including Lille, Strasbourg, Bordeaux and Limoges. In Limoges, protesters allegedly set fire to the town hall, causing its historic clock tower to collapse.
Businesses also suffered substantial financial losses. Carrefour CEO Alexandre Bompard said 50 company stores were damaged, including 20 looted locations, with estimated losses reaching tens of millions of euros.
French Economy Minister Roland Lescure pledged government assistance for affected businesses and warned that those responsible would face accountability.
The demonstrations, fueled by a month-long student movement and broader dissatisfaction with economic conditions, have intensified concerns about France's political stability, consumer confidence and business outlook.
With further protests possible, Macron's government faces mounting pressure to restore public order while addressing the economic grievances driving nationwide discontent.
