Looting and Arson Spread Across France as Authorities Appeal for Calm Amid Protests

France Unrest Turns Violent: Macron Urges Calm After Deadly Riots, 2,400 Arrested

French President Emmanuel Macron has appealed to the public to maintain “calm and order” after anti-government demonstrations across the country descended into violent clashes, looting and arson. The unrest left two people dead, while police arrested around 2,400 people in cities nationwide.

In a televised address from the Elysee Palace, Macron condemned the destruction of public buildings and private property, saying that “nothing justifies” the violence. He warned that those involved in rioting, looting and damaging property would be held accountable under the law.

“Those who destroyed must pay. Those who looted will have to pay for the damage, and those who sought to bring down the Republic will be held accountable,” he said.

The French president attributed much of the violence to radical far-left activists and criminal groups, describing the incidents as acts of unrestrained violence. He also questioned how French citizens could turn against their own country by damaging its streets, businesses and public institutions.

Historic Buildings and Businesses Targeted

The scale of the destruction became apparent as images and videos from different cities showed broken windows, burnt bicycles and debris littering roads after the protests.

In Limoges, central France, protesters allegedly set fire to the 19th-century City Hall. The blaze caused the roof to collapse and left the historic building on the verge of severe destruction.

In Paris, hundreds of demonstrators assembled at Place de la Republique under heavy police security. Officers deployed tear gas as tensions rose, while small groups reportedly attempted to ignite bicycles and rubbish bins.

Lyon witnessed further damage when the city’s tourist office was set ablaze, leaving its facade scorched. Nearby shops were vandalised and looted.

In Marseille, some protesters briefly entered the lobby of City Hall by force, while masked individuals reportedly damaged a police station.

The mayors of Paris, Marseille and Lyon have sought a meeting with the prime minister to discuss the scale of the damage and the seriousness of the unrest.

Authorities Consider Restrictions on Protests

Macron said local authorities could ban certain demonstrations in the coming days if required. However, he did not announce a state of emergency or impose a curfew.

The president stressed that peaceful demonstrators with legitimate grievances should not be equated with individuals involved in violence and destruction.

He vowed firm action against those accused of participating in riots, setting fires and looting businesses, reiterating that the authorities would not tolerate attempts to undermine public order.

The government’s immediate challenge is to contain the violence while distinguishing between lawful demonstrations and criminal acts.

Opposition Attacks Macron’s Leadership

The unrest has also intensified political tensions ahead of the presidential election. Macron cannot seek another consecutive term, while Marine Le Pen of the far-right National Rally party has criticised his administration’s handling of the crisis.

Le Pen described the government as exhausted and disoriented, arguing that the situation reflected a broader failure of leadership.

Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of the left-wing France Unbowed party and another presidential contender, warned that the country risked moving towards events that could become uncontrollable.

The sharply differing reactions from opposition figures underscore the political divisions surrounding the protests and the government’s response.

Investigations Into Serious Injuries

Separately, authorities have launched investigations into serious injuries suffered by protesters.

The prosecutor’s office in Mulhouse, eastern France, is investigating an incident in which a 17-year-old girl reportedly lost an eye during the demonstrations. Another investigation was opened on Saturday after a young protester lost a hand in Saint-Etienne.

The cases have renewed scrutiny of police crowd-control methods, particularly the use of grenades and other riot-control weapons during demonstrations.

As the situation unfolds, the French government faces mounting pressure to restore order, investigate serious injuries and address concerns surrounding the conduct of security forces.