President Emmanuel Macron Vows Strict Action Against Rioters In France
by Abhilasha · KalingaTVAdvertisement
Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday said that “nothing justifies” the violence during the protests, as he vowed strict action against those involved in rioting and looting across the country.
He has condemned the riots and vowed to punish the rioters, saying there is no place violence in republic. He has warned that the rioters will be prosecuted, while he expressed his gratitude to the security personnel for their efforts to bring the situation under control.
“There is no place for violence in our Republic. Those who have vandalised and attacked prefectures and businesses, and looted even our town halls, will be prosecuted and punished,” he said on X on late Saturday night.
“To the law enforcement forces, who uphold the right to protest, I express the nation’s support. We will all stand united against those sowing chaos, who seek nothing but to bring down our institutions and prevent those peacefully expressing their demands from doing so,” he added.
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Violent confrontations broke out between security forces and demonstrators in the capital and various regions across the country on Saturday, coinciding with nationwide marches opposing escalating inflation. Demonstrators ignited fires at multiple sites, while thieves broke into dozens of commercial outlets.
The civil disturbance followed weeks of student-led rallies. Tens of thousands of citizens marched through the eastern and northern sectors of Paris during a prominent demonstration on Saturday, chanting slogans such as “Everyone hates the police” and “Macron, resign.”
Demonstrators also set fire to a tourist information centre in central Lyon and forced entry into town halls in Marseille and Lille, vandalising the interiors before leaving, according to France 24. Numerous commercial stores were looted, particularly across Marseille.
More than 300 demonstrators attempted to advance towards the Champs-Élysées in Paris, an area housing several flagship high-end boutiques, while chanting “all cops are bastards” as security units deployed tear gas to halt their progress.
Also Read: Belgium: Clashes Break Out Between Protesters, Police Amid Agitation Against Rising Cost Of Living…
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