Macron Promises "Full Transparency" After French Protests Turn Into Widespread Unrest

French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation on Sunday, Oct. 18, after a weekend of unrest that followed nationwide protests drawing hundreds of thousands of people. He promised that "full transparency will be ensured." The events have taken on a political dimension, with France's presidential election six months away.

What happened

Trade union members, students and members of the public took to the streets on Saturday to protest the cost of living. Most demonstrations were peaceful, but footage showed public buildings set on fire, shops looted and clashes with riot police. According to the latest interior ministry figures, around 2,000 people were arrested. Police officers, firefighters and demonstrators were injured.

Macron said those who destroyed property must pay and those who looted must reimburse. He said he was awaiting "clear answers" on why the protests turned violent, and blamed far-left splinter groups and numerous delinquents. Serge Papin, minister for small business, will meet company representatives at the Ministry of Economy on Monday to assess the damage and propose help for affected businesses.

Political fallout

The government has been accused of mismanaging and underestimating the protests, and both the left and the far right have called for Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez to resign. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu blamed the "ultra-left," saying the France Unbowed movement and its presidential candidate, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, played an "important role" in a "far-left network." Mélenchon, who joined the protests and urged supporters to attend while condemning looting and violence, said the accusations aim to weaken his candidacy and accused Macron of letting the situation deteriorate.

Mélenchon is in a close race with center-left candidate Raphaël Glucksmann and center-right candidate Edouard Philippe for second place behind far-right frontrunner Marine Le Pen. If no candidate wins a majority in the first round, the top two advance to a runoff. Philippe said France's image and influence abroad are at stake. Le Pen and her National Rally are using the footage to present her as the candidate of an "appeased France," while saying the protesters had legitimate social demands.

U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that "France is burning" and blamed immigration.