French President Emmanuel Macron has urged calm and order after anti-government demonstrations throughout the French capital flared into violence, with two people killed and some 2,400 arrested. The disturbances were among the nation’s most violent recent days after mostly non-violent protest which started on Tuesday night.
Macron condemned the violence and the “lack of reason for throwing stones and causing public disorder” in a speech addressed to the nation from the Élysée Palace. He said those involved will be subject to legal penalties.
The president’s video message said “Those who destroyed must pay. Those who looted will have to pay for the damage, and those who sought to bring down the Republic will be held accountable.”
Macron also held the “insurrectionist elements of radical far-left groups”, as well as criminal elements, largely responsible for the violence. His comments were in line with other government statements that had also mentioned far-left activists regarding the turmoil.
Given all of these images, we all had this question in our minds, how could the French do this to France? Reporting on the destruction, Macron added that he was “afraid of its scope.
Hundreds of protesters rallied in Paris at Place de la République, where police forces were on a heavy presence. There were sporadic fights and officers fired teargas to break up the fighting. Reports indicate that small groups tried to set off bicycles in flames and rubbish bins on fire.
Security forces sprang into action throughout the country and dozens of people were detained in the capital, while the exact number of people detained was around 2,400. The two lives lost since the start of the unrest were reported in addition to worries about its impact.
The speech was an attempt by Macron to reassure people saying he would take a strong stance against violence and restore order. It is hoped the authorities will investigate and bring to book the rioters, looters and property damage.
The episode has added to the pressure facing the French government which faces growing anger among the masses, as well as the demands of preventing further unrest.