By: Ebenezer Adugyamfi & Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada 19 OCTOBER 2026
French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed anger and shame over widespread rioting and looting that erupted during nationwide protests, condemning the destruction of businesses and public buildings while calling for calm and accountability.
In a televised address on Sunday, October 18, Macron questioned how French citizens could engage in acts that damaged their own country.
“Looking at these images, we have all asked ourselves: what was going through their minds? How can French people do this to France?” he said.
He added that nothing justified the violence, saying the country felt “anger and shame” over the scenes witnessed across several cities.
The unrest followed demonstrations driven by frustration over the rising cost of living and concerns about conditions in schools. Although many people participated peacefully, some groups engaged in looting, vandalism, arson and clashes with law enforcement.
Thousands arrested as violence spreads
French authorities reported approximately 2,400 arrests following Saturday’s unrest, while nearly 1,000 police officers and gendarmes were reported injured, according to Reuters.
Violence and property damage were reported in Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux and other locations.
In Limoges, a historic town hall was engulfed in flames, with its roof collapsing in a major incident that raised concerns about damage to public infrastructure and national heritage.
Businesses were also targeted. Carrefour chief executive Alexandre Bompard said approximately 50 of the retailer’s stores had been damaged, including 20 that were looted, with losses estimated in the tens of millions of euros.
Authorities continued assessing the damage as emergency workers and local residents began clearing debris and repairing affected areas.
Macron distinguishes peaceful protesters from rioters
While condemning the destruction, Macron acknowledged that many demonstrators had legitimate concerns.
He urged the public to distinguish between citizens exercising their right to peaceful protest and those using demonstrations as an opportunity to commit crimes.
The president said those responsible for looting and vandalism would be held accountable and required to pay for the damage they caused.
His comments come amid broader public frustration over living costs, the state of public services and educational conditions.
The protests have also intensified political disagreements over the government’s response, policing and the underlying causes of public discontent.
Government considers further security measures
Macron said he had ordered a review to determine whether there had been failures in intelligence gathering or police preparedness ahead of the demonstrations.
He also indicated that local authorities, including prefects and mayors, would have powers to prohibit certain gatherings where necessary to protect public buildings and businesses.
However, the president stopped short of declaring a nationwide state of emergency.
He also called for the government to bring together students, teachers, lawmakers, trade union representatives and business leaders to develop proposals addressing the crisis.
“We must sit around the table and build solutions together,” Macron said.
The planned discussions are intended to address the grievances behind the protests while restoring public order.
Political tensions deepen ahead of France’s 2027 election
The unrest has intensified political tensions as France approaches its next presidential election, scheduled for 2027.
Political leaders have offered competing explanations for the demonstrations and the violence that accompanied them.
Government officials have blamed radical left-wing groups and criminal elements for much of the destruction. Opposition figures, meanwhile, have criticised the government’s handling of public discontent and raised questions about the conditions that led to the demonstrations.
The protests have revived debate over economic inequality, the cost of living, education and the relationship between the state and citizens.
The extent to which the government can address these grievances without further escalating tensions remains a central question.
A difficult balance between public order and protest rights
The events have highlighted the challenge facing French authorities: protecting citizens and businesses while respecting the right to demonstrate peacefully.
The right to protest remains a fundamental democratic principle, but it does not provide legal protection for arson, looting or deliberate destruction of property.
At the same time, the scale of the demonstrations suggests that the underlying concerns cannot be addressed through policing alone.
As France continues to assess the damage, the government faces pressure to restore order, investigate possible security failures and respond to public concerns about living standards and education.
For now, Macron has made clear that violence will not be tolerated, while calling for dialogue to find solutions to the wider crisis.
