Macron urges calm as deadly unrest grips France

French President Emmanuel Macron has appealed for calm after widespread riots and clashes rocked cities across France, leaving businesses damaged, public buildings burned and thousands of people arrested.

The unrest erupted during nationwide demonstrations against rising living costs, higher fuel prices and declining public services. More than 500,000 people reportedly took part in marches across the country on Saturday, although most protesters demonstrated peacefully.

Violent groups clashed with police, looted shops and set fire to public buildings. In the city of Limoges, a blaze severely damaged the town hall, with its clock tower collapsing. The incident raised concerns about the scale of destruction caused by the unrest.

Addressing the nation on Sunday, Macron condemned the violence and said the destruction of public property could not be justified. He acknowledged that peaceful protesters had legitimate grievances but urged authorities to distinguish them from those involved in rioting and looting.

Macron stopped short of declaring a state of emergency. However, he said the government would give local authorities the power to ban demonstrations where necessary to protect public buildings and businesses.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said police had arrested around 2,400 people nationwide. Nearly 1,000 police officers were reportedly injured, while one protester died after suffering a cardiac arrest during demonstrations in Paris.

Clashes continued in Paris and Marseille on Sunday. Riot police used tear gas to disperse protesters near Place de la République in the French capital, where fires were also reported.

The unrest has placed further pressure on Macron as he approaches the end of his presidency in 2027. His government has faced growing public discontent over economic difficulties, rising debt and concerns about public services.

Far-right National Rally leader Marine Le Pen also called for calm, condemning the destruction and warning against allowing such scenes to become normal. Meanwhile, left-wing politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon urged Macron to address the demands of protesting students.

The damage has also raised concerns among businesses. Carrefour chief executive Alexandre Bompard said 50 of the retailer’s stores had been affected, including 20 that were looted. The losses were estimated to run into tens of millions of euros.

Economy Minister Roland Lescure pledged support for affected business owners and said those responsible for the destruction would be held accountable.

Authorities continued clean-up operations across the country on Sunday as France faced mounting pressure to restore order and address the public grievances behind the demonstrations.