Police arrested at least 1,800 people on Saturday as demonstrators took to the streets across France’s major cities, marching against rising fuel prices, the cost of living and deteriorating public services.
Rioters came out in Paris, Marseille and other towns and cities, with some setting fire to cars and buildings, with widespread looting taking place (BBC).
France President Emmanuel Macron criticised the “unbridled violence” in a televised address to the nation. He said, “Watching these images, we have all asked ourselves how could French people do this to France?” (The Guardian).
Far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen said on Sunday: “We are experiencing a crisis of confidence” and Macron is “without credibility or authority” (Euronews).
The protests come with a presidential election set to take place next year.