Macron urges calm after riots and looting across France

French President Emmanuel Macron appealed for calm in a televised address from the Élysée Palace on Sunday, 18 October, after Saturday’s protests were accompanied by widespread rioting, fires and looting. According to BBC News, smaller-scale disorder continued in Paris and Lyon on Sunday, while France’s interior ministry reported about 2,400 arrests.

Macron warned against further escalation and distinguished the protesters’ legitimate grievances from the actions of people who damaged property and looted businesses. He said violence could not be justified and that those responsible would face justice.

About 550,000 people had joined largely peaceful demonstrations over higher fuel prices, living costs and declining public services, including schools. The scale of that participation was distinct from the groups involved in violence.

Fires damage buildings as cities assess losses

Groups of rioters appeared in Paris, Marseille and other towns and cities, with some wearing black clothing and face coverings. Cars and buildings were set alight, while widespread looting affected Paris, Marseille and Lille, among other places.

In Limoges, a fire attributed to rioters gutted the city’s 19th-century town hall on Saturday. Its roof and clock tower collapsed, and local officials described much of the building as lost. Residents quoted in the reporting expressed grief over damage to a heritage site shared by the whole community.

Shopkeepers in Paris began clearing broken glass on Sunday morning as municipal crews removed debris from major streets. Macron said local prefects and mayors would prepare measures to protect businesses and civic buildings.

Police response also faces scrutiny

Sunday brought further clashes and looting in parts of Paris and Lyon. AFP, cited in the reporting, said police used tear gas and stun grenades against hundreds of people in Paris, while bottles and rocks were thrown at officers.

France’s interior ministry said about 1,000 police officers were injured on Saturday, including seven seriously. These are ministry-reported figures, rather than an independently established tally.

Macron also promised transparency over the policing of the demonstrations. Officers used tear gas and water cannon over the weekend, and riot police were seen striking people with batons in several locations. His address paired a commitment to prosecute violence with a pledge to account for the authorities’ response.