Macron calls for calm after Saturday's chaos

French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation from the Élysée Palace, calling for calm and order after protests turned into rioting and looting on Saturday, with disorder continuing in Paris on Sunday.

Half a million marched against rising costs

About five hundred fifty thousand demonstrators took to the streets for largely peaceful protests against rising fuel prices, the cost of living and deteriorating public services including schools.

Macron warns rioters not to escalate

The president said those who had taken part in violence must not escalate, adding we all feel anger and shame. He said nothing justifies the unbridled violence seen and those involved would face justice.

“We all feel anger and shame.”

Rioting spread across multiple French cities

Groups of rioters dressed in black, wearing masks and balaclavas came out in Paris, Marseille and other towns and cities, setting fire to cars and buildings. Widespread looting took place across Paris, Marseille and Lille.

Historic Limoges town hall gutted by fire

In Limoges, the ornate nineteenth century city hall was gutted by a fire started by rioters on Saturday, its clock tower and roof collapsing.

“This is very upsetting. Harming heritage buildings just because you are angry at the government is selfish, I think.”

Police response and arrest figures

Police arrested about two thousand four hundred people according to France's interior ministry.About one thousand police officers were injured on Saturday, seven of them seriously.Tear gas, water cannon and batons were used against crowds.

Political divisions deepen ahead of April election

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez blamed far-left individuals and delinquents for the violence. Jean-Luc Mélenchon criticised police incompetence while Marine Le Pen condemned exploitation of anger by forces encouraging violence, reflecting deep divisions before April's election.