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FRANCIA Macron vows penalties and a review of policing after October 17 unrest
The French president drew a line between demonstrators with legitimate demands and those involved in destruction and looting. He also called for clear answers about the security strategy used during the protests.
Emmanuel Macron addressed the country on Sunday, October 18, after violence broke out on the sidelines of the October 17 demonstrations in several French cities, according to France Info. In his remarks, the French president said demonstrators with legitimate grievances should not be conflated with those who destroyed property, vandalized businesses and looted shops.
Macron said the damage seen in city streets was intolerable and voiced support for shopkeepers and craftspeople affected by the looting. He also said prefects would work with mayors to protect cities, public buildings and businesses.
He called for an exemplary judicial response and said those responsible for destruction should pay, while those who looted should reimburse what was taken. At the same time, he promised transparency بشأن the law enforcement strategy used on Saturday, as the government faces criticism over the damage to many businesses and public buildings.
According to France Info, Macron asked the government, and especially Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, to draw all lessons from Saturday’s events in terms of intelligence and anticipation. He also said he expected clear answers.
Before the address, the Elysée had announced that Macron would speak at 8 p.m. and would first convene the prime minister and the relevant ministers at the Elysée Palace. France Info also reported that Laurent Nuñez was due to appear after the presidential address on TF1’s evening news and would travel to Marseille on Monday.
According to official figures cited by France Info, 550,000 people took part in Saturday’s demonstrations against the cost of living, including 110,000 in Paris. The outlet added that Macron was, for now, keeping his planned trip from Monday to Wednesday to Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar.
Sources
About this piece. Written by El Notero with AI assistance, from reporting published by the outlet cited above. El Notero did no original reporting on this story.
