In brief
Weekend protests in France spiralled into widespread looting, vandalism and police clashes, damaging 1,500 businesses and injuring a thousand officers. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu called a crisis cabinet while President Emmanuel Macron demanded accountability and urged national unity. Political factions clash over blame, and with a presidential election looming, the risk of emergency measures rises.
Paris, France – A weekend of nationwide protests spiralled into violence and looting, leaving 1,500 businesses damaged and causing at least 1,000 police casualties.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu convened a crisis cabinet on Monday, while President Emmanuel Macron demanded that the violence be brought to justice and urged national unity.
The demonstrations began as a peaceful protest against rising living costs and cuts in public services but were taken over by masked agitators and looters. Tear gas and water cannons were deployed, and riot police reported “an unprecedented level of disorder.”
Political parties are already blaming each other: the left accuses the government of incompetence, the right blames Macron’s liberal agenda, while union leaders call for stronger labour protections.
With a presidential election looming in six months and potential curfew or emergency powers on the table, the French state is under intense scrutiny.
