Macron Condemns ‘Anger and Shame’ as 2,400 Arrested in Violent French Protests

French President Emmanuel Macron Denounces Nationwide Rioting and Looting

At least 2,400 people were arrested nationwide as demonstrations turned violent over the weekend. In a televised address to the nation from the Élysée Palace, Macron warned those who had taken part not to “escalate”, stating: “We all feel anger and shame.” He added that “nothing justifies” the “unbridled” violence seen and that those involved would face justice, stating: “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 said a distinction must be drawn between the “legitimate demands” of protesters and “those who destroyed, smashed and looted”, and denounced “unrestrained violence” by “insurrectionist elements from radical far-left groups, joined by numerous criminals.”

The unrest follows protests that began drawing 550,000 demonstrators on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

Officials Blame Far-Left Activists for Violence

Government officials and political figures traded accusations over the weekend’s violence ahead of next spring’s presidential election. Macron and other government officials blamed much of the destruction on far-left activists, accusing them of attacking police and public buildings to foment chaos. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez wrote on X: “The right to protest is a fundamental right. Deliberately and collectively sowing disorder through violence is not,” citing the looting of hundreds of businesses across the country. Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire wrote in an open letter that the scale of damage is considerable and unprecedented.

Opposition leaders sharply criticized the government’s response. Far-left contender Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who joined the Paris march, accused Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu of playing with fire and failing to organize public order, stating that the French government is “solely responsible” for the destruction during protests, and has “failed to organise the maintenance of public order” and shown “complete incompetence” with their handling of the demonstrations while calling them “specialists in organised chaos”.

Fire Destroys Limoges City Hall

In Limoges, flames engulfed the 19th-century City Hall, causing its roof to collapse and nearly destroying the building while people were inside. Speaking near the ruined building, a local named Annèyse said: “This is very upsetting. It’s hurting everybody.” Another man who gave his name as Gerrard said: “It’s awful and unbelievable,” adding, “We are very sad and I think it will be a long time to put it back as it was before.” Government employee Marie Peyreigne, 57, said: “I am actually stunned by the level of destruction and violence that was expressed,” wondering what had led to the mayhem. Margaux Eude, 26, said she supported the protest movement but “didn’t think it would escalate like this,” adding: “It’s the troublemakers who came, and it breaks my heart because it delegitimizes the movement.”

Police reported that about 1,000 law enforcement officers and gendarmes were injured during Saturday’s clashes, seven of them seriously. The Mulhouse prosecutor’s office opened an investigation after a 17-year-old girl lost an eye, while another investigation was opened after a young protester lost a hand in Saint-Etienne.

Lecornu Schedules Cabinet Meeting to Address Disorder

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu scheduled a crisis cabinet meeting for Monday, October 19, 2026, to address the public disorder. Macron stated that he instructed regional prefects to work with mayors to protect public buildings and businesses in the coming weeks, including banning protests when necessary. The president also promised full transparency regarding the police response to the demonstrations, while local authorities assess structural repairs for municipal buildings and businesses following the widespread destruction. We need unity, we need calm and respect.”

More on this story: Emmanuel Macron criticises unbridled violence after riots in France · France cost-of-living protests turn violent with buildings torched

More on French: French PM announces budget cuts and aid to placate widespread protests · French high school students protest for better school conditions · French Bank Stocks Fall Amid Sovereign Debt Concerns and Rising Yields