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Macron addresses nation: looters will pay, fuel prices driven by Gulf war
French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation after Saturday’s looting and arson. He said peaceful protesters must not be lumped together with looters and blamed rising fuel prices on the war in the Persian Gulf. No state of emergency was declared.
French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation from the Élysée Palace at 8 p.m. on Sunday, after nationwide protests against the rising cost of living turned into looting and arson on Saturday. Saying the country felt “anger and shame,” Macron declared: “Nothing justifies it, nothing explains it, nothing excuses it.”
“Peaceful protesters must not be confused with looters”
Macron noted that hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets on Saturday to voice legitimate demands. According to the Interior Ministry, around 550,000 people joined the protests nationwide. “We must never confuse them with those who destroyed, smashed and looted,” he said.
Macron said protesters had voiced concerns about the cost of living and fuel prices, which he said stem from the conflict launched in the Persian Gulf, in which France has taken no part. He said France had taken international steps to secure fuel and gas supplies since the war in Iran began in February.
Heading to the Gulf on Monday morning
“I will continue this work tomorrow morning by going to the Gulf countries to secure our energy supplies,” Macron said. He also announced that the government had agreed on measures with fuel distributors to pass lower costs on to pump prices.
“Those who destroyed must pay, those who looted must repay”
Macron blamed the violence on “factious elements from ultra-left groups, joined by numerous criminals.” “Those who destroyed must pay. Those who looted must repay,” he said, adding that “those who sought to bring down the Republic will be held accountable” and that the government would show no leniency. Dialogue, he stressed, does not mean weakness or impunity.
Saying police and gendarmes “held firm and did their best,” Macron promised “full transparency” on the security forces’ response. He asked Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez to draw all the lessons on intelligence and anticipation, saying: “I expect clear answers.” He also asked the justice minister to ensure that prosecutors act firmly.
According to Interior Ministry figures released on Sunday evening, 2,397 people were arrested during Saturday’s unrest and 997 police officers and gendarmes were injured, seven of them seriously.
Prefects may ban gatherings
Macron said prefects, working with mayors, would protect cities and public buildings and could ban certain gatherings if necessary. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will convene a crisis unit on Monday to speed up aid for affected shopkeepers and residents. Lecornu will also invite political parties, unions and professional organizations to condemn the violence and call for calm.
The protests began with high school students who have been mobilizing for three weeks. Acknowledging “a deep anxiety” among young people, Macron said an online platform set up by the Education Ministry had received more than 100,000 contributions. Lecornu will bring together students, teachers, unions, employers and local authorities in the coming days.
No state of emergency declared
Although French media had reported that a state of emergency and a curfew were among the options, Macron announced no such measures. Turning to the presidential election six months away, he said, “Our country deserves a fine presidential election in six months,” urging that the debate take place at rallies, in parties and in the media, not in the streets.
Sharp criticism from the opposition
The speech drew criticism from the opposition. Jordan Bardella, leader of the far-right National Rally, called it “lamentable” and “cowardly.” Jean-Luc Mélenchon of France Unbowed (LFI) said the government, which failed to maintain public order, was solely responsible for the destruction. LFI coordinator Manuel Bompard said: “It is absolutely irresponsible to speak tonight and say nothing.”
CGT leader Sophie Binet said Macron “has understood nothing of what is happening in the country.” The student union Unef said the speech offered young people no solutions, only firmness and repression. Former Prime Minister and presidential candidate Édouard Philippe said he would have preferred decisions to restore order, adding: “Our country needs to be led.”
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