Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, condemned the excessive violence that erupted during the cost of living protests across the country on Sunday. In the latest clashes in Paris, police clashed with protesters and looters. The Ministry of the Interior announced that nearly 2,400 people were arrested on Saturday and nearly 1,000 police and gendarmerie forces were injured, seven of whom were seriously injured.
Macron's Response to the Situation
In his speech to the nation, Macron stated that local authorities would be able to ban some gatherings "if necessary" in the coming days. However, he refrained from taking more severe measures such as declaring a state of emergency or imposing a curfew. He said, "Tonight, we all feel anger and shame" regarding the destruction, which included the burning of local buildings and the looting of hundreds of businesses. Macron also added, "Seeing these images, we all asked ourselves: what is going through their minds? How can the French do this to France?"
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Political Pressure and Oversight of Actions
Some opposition politicians have called for the dismissal of Laurent Nunez, the Minister of the Interior. Macron stated that he has asked Nunez to "take all necessary lessons," especially in the areas of intelligence gathering and forecasting, and he expects to receive "clear answers." On Sunday, reporters observed police throwing tear gas and sound grenades at hundreds of people gathered in a Paris square. Bottles and stones were thrown at the police, and officials reported the arrest of 108 people across the city.
These unrests come just months before the presidential election, in which Macron cannot run again and where Marine Le Pen, the far-right candidate, is leading in the polls. Le Pen stated that this unrest reflects the fatigue and confusion of Macron's government. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the leader of the far-left party "France Unbowed," also warned that the country may head towards "events that will ultimately become uncontrollable."
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