French President Emmanuel Macron condemned what he described as “unbridled” violence on Sunday as fresh clashes erupted across the country following one of its most turbulent periods of unrest in recent years. However, he stopped short of announcing emergency measures, including a state of emergency or a curfew.
“Tonight, we all feel anger and shame,” Macron said in a televised address to the nation. Nearly 2,400 people had been arrested amid violent demonstrations over the rising cost of living, which left one protester dead and approximately 1,000 police officers and gendarmes injured.
Macron called for a clear distinction between demonstrators raising “legitimate demands” and individuals involved in destruction, vandalism and looting. He stressed that those responsible for damaging property must face consequences.
The president pledged a firm response against what he described as agitators from far-left groups, alongside other offenders, whom he accused of unleashing widespread violence in French cities.
More than half a million people participated in demonstrations across dozens of French cities on Saturday. The protests brought together a month-long student movement and wider public dissatisfaction over increasing living costs.
In Paris, police deployed tear gas and stun grenades against hundreds of people gathered in a public square following calls for a rally circulated on social media. Authorities said the gathering had not been authorised. Some demonstrators threw bottles and rocks at police, prompting officers to make several arrests.
Shops were looted around Place de la République, while riot police remained deployed for a second consecutive day. Further unrest was reported in Lyon, southeastern France, where police intervened to stop young people attempting to smash the windows of a luxury clothing store.
Images of burning town halls and damaged public buildings attracted international attention, prompting US President Donald Trump to comment on the situation and blame immigration for the unrest.
“France is burning!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, arguing that immigration from different cultural backgrounds had contributed to the country’s crisis. He urged French authorities to close the country’s borders and regain control of the situation.
Macron said senior government officials would coordinate with mayors to strengthen protection for cities, public buildings and businesses affected by the unrest.
Describing the destruction of urban areas as unacceptable, he also promised support for businesses that had suffered losses during the demonstrations. The president further committed to ensuring full transparency regarding the conduct of security forces during the protests.
Meanwhile, several opposition politicians called for Interior Minister Laurent Nunez to be dismissed over the handling of the unrest.
Macron said he had instructed Nunez to review the government’s response, particularly intelligence gathering and preparations for potential disturbances. He added that he expected clear explanations and concrete answers from the interior minister as authorities assessed the events.
The latest clashes have intensified pressure on the French government to address public anger over living costs while restoring order and preventing further violence.
