Macron: Nothing can justify violence

Reuters reported early on Monday, October 19, that Macron made the appeal in a televised address following the spread of protests.

According to the report, Macron said peaceful protesters had legitimate demands and their actions should not be equated with those of people seeking to cause chaos and destruction.

Macron said: “Seeing these images, we have all asked ourselves: What was going through their minds? How can French people do this to France?”

Despite calls from some right-wing politicians, he declined to declare a state of emergency. He said, however, that the government would take measures to allow local authorities to ban gatherings if necessary to protect public buildings and local businesses.

Nationwide demonstrations in the country nevertheless descended into rioting. Violent groups clashed with police in various cities, a town hall was set on fire, shops were looted and slogans were scrawled on buildings.