International/Alive News: French President Emmanuel Macron has appealed for calm and order after anti-government protests turned violent in several parts of France. The unrest reportedly left two people dead, while police arrested around 2,400 people in different cities. Videos shared on social media showed burning buildings, damaged shops, broken glass and debris on the streets.
Addressing the nation from the Elysee Palace, Macron condemned the violence and said that those responsible for destroying public property and looting shops would be held accountable. He said that peaceful protesters with legitimate demands must be distinguished from those involved in rioting and vandalism.
Macron also blamed radical far-left groups and criminal elements for contributing to the violence. He warned that the authorities would take strict action against those involved in the destruction of property and attacks on public institutions.
Fires and Looting in Several Cities
In Limoges, a city in central France, a fire broke out at the historic City Hall. The blaze reportedly caused the roof to collapse and severely damaged the building.
In Paris, hundreds of protesters gathered at Place de la Republique as police maintained a heavy presence. Officers used tear gas after tensions increased in the area. Some groups reportedly attempted to set bicycles and rubbish bins on fire.
In Lyon, the city’s tourist office was set ablaze, leaving its exterior damaged. Nearby shops were also reportedly vandalised and looted.
In Marseille, some protesters entered the lobby of City Hall, while a group of masked individuals damaged a police station. The scale of the destruction prompted the mayors of Paris, Marseille and Lyon to seek a meeting with the prime minister to discuss the situation.
Government Considers Further Action
Macron said local authorities could ban certain demonstrations in the coming days if necessary. However, he did not announce a nationwide state of emergency or curfew.
The French president said that public anger over government policies could not justify violence, arson or looting. He stressed that those responsible for the damage would face legal consequences.
Political Leaders React to the Unrest
The violence has also triggered a political debate in France ahead of the upcoming presidential election. Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally party, criticised Macron’s administration, describing it as exhausted and disoriented.
Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of the left-wing France Unbowed party, warned that the situation could develop into a crisis that would become difficult to control.
Meanwhile, authorities in eastern France opened an investigation after a 17-year-old girl reportedly lost an eye during the protests in the Mulhouse area. Another investigation was launched after a young demonstrator lost a hand in Saint-Etienne.
The injuries have raised fresh concerns about police use of grenades and other crowd-control weapons during demonstrations.
The French authorities are continuing to investigate the violence, while the government faces pressure to restore public order and address concerns over police tactics and the handling of protests.
