French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to hold rioters accountable after nationwide anti-government protests escalated into some of the country’s worst unrest in years. Authorities reported more than 2,000 arrests and over 600 injured police officers, while fires, looting and damage to public buildings spread across major cities. At least two people died in incidents linked to the unrest, including a police officer in Nantes.
Macron condemned the violence but stressed that peaceful demonstrators should not be treated as rioters. The protests began over concerns about rising living costs, underfunded schools, police violence and government inaction. More than 550,000 people took to the streets nationwide, according to the Interior Ministry, although organizers estimated a higher turnout. Several historic and public buildings were damaged, and retail chain Carrefour reported that around 1,500 stores had been affected.
The unrest has intensified pressure on Macron’s government to address public anger while reviewing its handling of demonstrations. Macron has called for students, teachers, unions and other groups to meet with officials to discuss concrete proposals. Meanwhile, criticism of police tactics has grown following reports of injuries among young protesters, highlighting the challenge of restoring order without deepening public distrust.
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