Macron urges calm after protests over living costs erupt into rioting

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for “calm and order” after protests over rising fuel prices and the cost of living were followed by rioting and looting in cities across France. He said demonstrators’ “legitimate demands” must be distinguished from the violence, as disorder continued on a smaller scale in Paris and Lyon on Sunday. [1]

About 550,000 people took part in Saturday’s largely peaceful demonstrations, according to the BBC. France’s interior ministry said police had arrested about 2,400 people. It also reported that about 1,000 officers were injured on Saturday, seven seriously. [1]

In a national address, Macron said nothing justified the violence and warned those involved not to escalate it. He promised “full transparency” over the police response. Tear gas and water cannon were used during the weekend, and riot police were seen striking people with batons, the BBC reported. [1]

The unrest included fires, clashes and looting in Paris, Marseille, Lille and other towns. In Limoges, a fire started by rioters gutted the 19th-century town hall; part of the building collapsed. Macron said local prefects and mayors would draw up measures to protect shops and civic buildings. [1]