Macron promises protection for shops and transparency on policing
Emmanuel Macron called for calm in a televised address after France’s weekend unrest. He announced local measures to protect businesses and civic buildings and promised transparency over the police response. Distinguishing protesters’ legitimate demands from destruction, he also questioned the intelligence available before Saturday’s demonstrations. The new address sets out the president’s response to the violence.
Geopolitics··Morning
Macron announces protection for shops and civic buildings
French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the country on television from the Élysée Palace on the evening of 18 October, after Saturday’s demonstrations and violence. He condemned looting and destruction and expressed solidarity with shopkeepers and security forces. He called for calm and order, urging an end to escalation.[1], [2]
Macron said prefects and mayors would prepare measures to protect shops and civic buildings. He said those involved in violence would face justice and that people responsible for destruction should pay.[1], [2]
The president promises transparency over police conduct
The president distinguished protesters’ legitimate demands from the actions of those destroying buildings and businesses. He promised full transparency over the police response. Officers used tear gas and water cannon during the weekend, and were seen striking people with batons in several places.[1]
Pre-demonstration intelligence comes under scrutiny
Macron also questioned the intelligence received by the government before Saturday’s demonstrations. Those protests had addressed fuel prices, living costs and deteriorating public services, including schools. Student protests began the previous month, and trade union members and other anti-government groups joined on Saturday. Most demonstrations were peaceful. Smaller-scale looting and clashes continued in parts of Paris and Lyon on Sunday.[1], [2]
