Macron vows to hold those involved in violence in France accountable after 2,397 people were arrested
AFP2 min read
Share
French President Emmanuel Macron vowed on Sunday to hold those involved in the acts of vandalism and looting that took place in French cities during the protests against the high cost of living on Saturday, confirming that the authorities will deal "with extreme severity" with those responsible for the violence, while the Ministry of the Interior announced the arrest of 2,397 people and the injury of 997 police and gendarmerie officers.
In a televised address to the French people, Macron said that "those who destroyed must pay the price, and those who looted must compensate for the losses," calling for strict judicial measures against those involved in the acts of vandalism and looting that affected shops and public buildings in a number of French cities.
Macron added, "We all feel anger and shame this evening," considering that seeing the streets of French cities being vandalized is "unbearable," and affirming his support for the owners of shops and businesses that were looted.
The French President stressed the need to distinguish between protesters expressing "legitimate demands" and the perpetrators of looting and destruction, following widespread protests against the rising cost of living that were interspersed with violent clashes between protesters and security forces.
He explained that local officials will take the necessary decisions, in coordination with mayors, to protect cities, public buildings, and shops, demanding that the judicial prosecution of those responsible for the acts of violence be "exemplary."
In a related context, Macron pledged to commit to "full transparency" regarding the security strategy implemented by the authorities during Saturday's protests, amid criticism facing the French government against the backdrop of the widespread acts of vandalism and looting.
He asked the government, particularly Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, to draw lessons from the events, especially in the areas of intelligence and anticipation, saying, "I expect clear answers, and full transparency will be provided."
The French Ministry of the Interior announced, in the latest toll issued on Sunday, the arrest of 2,397 people during Saturday's protests, which witnessed widespread acts of violence and looting, in addition to the injury of 997 police and gendarmerie officers, including 7 serious injuries.
