From Daily Maverick · Reuters · · 50s
Macron condemns violence as France reels from riots
French President Emmanuel Macron calls looting and vandalism during cost-of-living protests 'shocking' and orders a review of police and intelligence failures.
In brief
French President Emmanuel Macron calls looting and vandalism during cost-of-living protests 'shocking' and orders a review of police and intelligence failures. Emmanuel Macron condemned looting and vandalism during French protests over the cost of living, ordering reviews of police preparedness and intelligence…
Macron condemns 'shocking' violence
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French President Emmanuel Macron condemned looting and vandalism during nationwide protests over the cost of living on October 18, 2026, calling the scenes shocking.
“Nothing justifies it, nothing explains it, nothing excuses it.”
Macron orders review of police failures
Macron said he ordered a review to determine whether there were failings in intelligence gathering or police preparedness before the protests turned violent.
Government to meet with stakeholders
Macron asked the government to bring together students, teachers, lawmakers, trade union representatives and business leaders this week to formulate concrete proposals to address the crisis.
“We must sit around the table and build solutions together.”
The bottom line
Emmanuel Macron condemned looting and vandalism during French protests over the cost of living, ordering reviews of police preparedness and intelligence gathering.
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