French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned widespread violence and looting that erupted during nationwide protests over rising living costs, describing the scenes as “shocking”.
Macron spoke on Sunday in a televised address following demonstrations that descended into clashes, arson and vandalism in several French cities.
The unrest saw shops looted, public buildings attacked and property destroyed, with the historic city hall in Limoges suffering severe damage in a fire.
“Nothing justifies it, nothing explains it, nothing excuses it. Tonight, we all feel anger and shame,” Macron said, expressing dismay at the destruction.
The president ordered a review to establish whether intelligence failures or inadequate police preparations contributed to the scale of the violence.
He also said local authorities, including prefects and mayors, would be empowered to prohibit certain gatherings when necessary to maintain public order.
The protests, which attracted hundreds of thousands of participants, were driven by concerns over the rising cost of living and deteriorating public services.
Although many demonstrators marched peacefully, groups of rioters took advantage of the gatherings to loot businesses and attack public property.
Authorities reported widespread arrests and injuries among security personnel as police confronted violent demonstrators in cities across the country.
Seeking a response to the broader grievances behind the unrest, Macron said the government would convene students, teachers, lawmakers, trade union representatives and business leaders during the week to develop what he described as “concrete proposals”.
“We must sit around the table and build solutions together,” he said.
The violence has increased pressure on Macron’s government as France prepares for next year’s presidential election, with political divisions deepening over the handling of public protests and the country’s economic difficulties.
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