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Emmanuel Macron on Violence and Public Concerns

Emmanuel Macron condemned widespread violence in cities across mainland France and its overseas territories. He said businesses and public buildings had been looted, attacked or destroyed, and several hundred police officers and gendarmes had been injured.

He expressed support for law-enforcement personnel, elected officials, shopkeepers and others affected, and said the government would quickly organize aid. He also called for investigations into intelligence and preparedness failures, transparent answers, and firm judicial action against those responsible.

Macron distinguished the violence from the concerns expressed by demonstrators. He acknowledged public anger over the cost of living and fuel prices, which he linked to the Gulf conflict. He said France was working internationally to secure energy supplies while the government sought to limit the impact on prices.

He also recognized young people’s concerns about their future, education and living conditions, citing a government consultation that had received more than 100,000 contributions.

Priorities

Macron set out three priorities:

1. Protect cities and public places, restricting gatherings where necessary.
2. Urge political, professional and union organizations to condemn violence and call for calm.
3. Bring students, educators, employers, unions, local officials and MPs together with the government to develop practical proposals.

He insisted that dialogue must not mean impunity. He argued that political debate ahead of the presidential election should take place peacefully, rather than through violence in the streets.

Presenter: Emmanuel Macron