Macron urges calm as France counts cost of worst unrest in years
Summary
Emmanuel Macron has urged calm after France endured one of its worst days of unrest in years, with thousands arrested, shops looted and buildings damaged during nationwide protests over high prices and declining public services. Fresh clashes continued in Paris and Marseille as the government blamed violence on ultra-left groups and criminals.
Key Points
- Emmanuel Macron appealed for calm after nationwide unrest left thousands arrested and widespread damage across France.
- Police reported 2,400 arrests and nearly 1,000 injured officers as clashes and looting spread from Paris to Marseille and other cities.
- The government blamed ultra-left groups and criminals, while Marine Le Pen and Jean-Luc Melenchon also weighed in on the violence and protests.
- Retailer Carrefour said 50 stores were damaged, including 20 that were looted, with losses in the tens of millions of euros.
