# Emmanuel Macron addresses France after 2,000 arrested

> Macron says protesters must be heard but looters will pay.
- Title: Emmanuel Macron addresses France after 2,000 arrested
- Summary: Macron says protesters must be heard but looters will pay. President Macron addresses France after 2,000 arrests during protests over school funding and…
- Keywords: emmanuel macron, france, protests, student protests, teacher shortages, school funding, budget cuts, presidential election, france interior minister, laurent nunez, news, politics
- Source: Straight Arrow — https://san.com/cc/emmanuel-macron-addresses-france-after-2000-arrested-during-huge-day-of-protests
- Published: 2026-10-18T23:58:01+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: emmanuel macron, france, protests, student protests, teacher shortages, school funding, budget cuts, presidential election, france interior minister, laurent nunez, news, politics
## Macron addresses nation
President Emmanuel Macron spoke after 2,000 arrests during Saturday's protests.

> We all tonight feel angry. We feel shame as well, seeing the disasters that have unfolded in our streets
## Protests grow
Over 550,000 people demonstrated Saturday with organizers claiming 800,000 attended.
## Violence reported
Police injured 600 first responders and one 22-year-old officer died after vehicle collision.
## Student demands
Students protest overcrowded classes, teacher shortages and budget cuts since mid-September.
## Union support
CGT labor union supports protests demanding higher wages, pensions, lower prices and public services.
## International protests
Belgium, Spain, Albania and Italy see similar protests as France.
## Macron's plan
Prime minister will meet organizations to find solutions for student demands.
## Key takeaway

President Macron addresses France after 2,000 arrests during protests over school funding and teacher shortages.