French police battled protesters and looters for a second day on Sunday as French President Emmanuel Macron expressed the public’s “anger” and “shame” over nationwide protests against rising living costs and poor conditions in schools that have resulted in at least 1,800 arrests.
Speaking in an address to the nation, Macron said: “Those who looted will have to pay back for the damage and those who sought to bring down the Republic will be held accountable.”
He pointed to “unrestrained violence” by “insurrectionist elements from radical far-left groups, joined by numerous criminals”.
Macron had earlier held an emergency meeting with senior government officials, a day after masked groups set fires and attacked public buildings, including city halls, in several cities. He said he had instructed prefects to work with mayors to protect public buildings and businesses in the coming weeks, including by banning protests when necessary.