French President Emmanuel Macron called for "calm and order" in a national address from the Élysée Palace after protests against rising fuel prices, the cost of living and deteriorating public services turned into rioting and looting across multiple cities on Saturday and Sunday.
About 550,000 demonstrators participated in largely peaceful protests that began as student-led action last month. The demonstrations escalated significantly on Saturday after trade union members and anti-government groups joined the marches in Paris, Marseille, Lille and other towns.
Groups of rioters, some wearing black clothing and masks, set fires to cars and buildings, looted shops and clashed with police. The unrest produced scenes described as among the worst public disorder in modern French history. Police arrested approximately 2,400 people, according to France's interior ministry. About 1,000 police officers were injured on Saturday, with seven suffering serious injuries.
Macron drew a distinction between the "legitimate demands" of protesters and those who "destroyed, smashed and looted," saying "nothing justifies" the "unbridled" violence. He warned rioters not to "escalate" and said those involved would face justice. Macron added that local prefects and mayors would draft measures to protect shops and civic buildings, and promised "full transparency" over police conduct.
In Limoges, rioters set fire to the ornate 19th century city hall on Saturday, destroying the clock tower and roof. Residents expressed dismay at the targeting of heritage buildings. On Sunday morning, shopkeepers in Paris cleared debris and broken glass as disorder continued on a smaller scale in the capital and Lyon. Police deployed tear gas, stun grenades and water cannon, and riot police were seen striking people with batons in several locations.
France's Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez blamed "several thousand far-left individuals" for targeting public buildings and police, followed by "delinquents who looted and ransacked numerous businesses." He noted that demonstrating remained a fundamental right.
The violence has exposed deep political divisions ahead of France's April election. Hard-left La France Insoumise leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon criticised police handling of the demonstrations, calling it "organised chaos." Hard-right National Rally leader Marine Le Pen condemned the "exploitation" of anger by political forces encouraging violence.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will hold a crisis cabinet meeting on Monday.