On 18 October, French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation. The previous day, large-scale demonstrations against rising prices and the cost of living had taken place in various cities across the country. The protests were marred by riots, vandalism and looting.
In an eight-minute speech, Macron condemned the violence perpetrated by the demonstrators. He stated that those involved in the rioting and looting would be brought to justice and made to pay for the damage caused. The President described the organisers of the unrest as “rioters from radical far-left groups, joined by numerous criminal elements”. Macron promised that the owners of the vandalised shops and cafés would receive compensation.
The President urged people not to confuse hooligans with those who had taken to the streets to voice their legitimate demands. He acknowledged that the protesters’ discontent was justified and that France was going through a difficult period, particularly in the social sphere. “Young people are saying: the future that awaits us is not the one we want. We must listen to those who are angry,” Macron noted.
Macron acknowledged that rising fuel prices are exacerbating the general rise in prices, although France is not responsible for the causes of the fuel crisis. He promised to hold talks with the Gulf states in the near future to keep oil and petroleum product prices in check.
The President also stressed the need for dialogue involving all parties – both the protesters and those against whom their protests are directed. “Everyone must sit down at the negotiating table and take part in the discussion: workers, students, local authorities and politicians,” said Macron. He reminded listeners that elections would be held in France in six months’ time and called for the country to remain united and for democracy to be upheld.
The protests against the decline in living standards, which took place on 17 October, were among the largest in French history. Riots and clashes with the police broke out in various cities. Around 1,800 demonstrators were arrested. Around 150 police officers were injured, whilst the total number of people injured stood at around 500.