Symbolic imageFrance counts cost of riots as Macron promises accountability and talks
Cost-of-living protests turned into riots across France on Saturday. Macron condemned the violence in a televised address on Sunday.
Marches against living costs on Saturday, 17 October, drew 550,000 people according to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez and 800,000 according to the CGT union, but ended in looting and arson in Paris, Marseille, Lyon and other cities. In Limoges rioters burned the 143-year-old town hall, which the prefect called largely lost. Nuñez counted about 2,000 arrests and 600 injured police and firefighters. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu blamed a well-organised ultra-left and said the government would not be intimidated.
Macron's response
In his address on Sunday, 18 October, Macron blamed insurrectionist far-left elements joined by criminals and vowed prosecutions. He ordered a review of intelligence and police preparedness and promised "full transparency" on police conduct. Prefects may ban gatherings, and the government is to convene students, unions, business and others this week.
Renewed clashes in Paris
Several hundred protesters clashed again with police at Place de la République in Paris on Sunday, with tear gas and attempted looting. A new protest is called for 5 November.